Why lung cancer patients lose weight: scientists measure the Body's fuel switch
NCT ID NCT05937074
First seen Sep 17, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center are studying how unintended weight loss affects the way the body burns fuel in people with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Participants eat a liquid mixed meal while researchers measure their breathing to see whether their bodies switch between burning fat and carbohydrates as expected. The study aims to describe these metabolic changes, not to test a treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If researchers learn how weight loss changes the way the body handles food, that knowledge could guide nutrition or treatment strategies for people with lung cancer.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small observational study of five people, so its measurements may not reflect the wider lung cancer population. It tests no treatment and offers participants no direct medical benefit.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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5 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jul 2023
- Finished
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Feb 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
The study population will include participants with non-small-cell lung cancer with varying degrees of weight loss.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age greater than or equal to 18 years * Diagnosis of non-small-cell lung cancer * Reported weight stability or loss after cancer diagnosis * Body mass index less than or equal to 35 kilograms per meter squared * Ability to provide written informed consent * Willing and able to comply with all scheduled visits, treatment plans, lab tests, and other study procedure * Allow the collection and storage of biospecimens and data for future use Exclusion Criteria: * Prior diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (type 1 or type 2) * Currently pregnant or breastfeeding * Contraindication to consuming the liquid mixed meal * Any medications affecting gastric motility * Any other condition that, in the investigator's opinion, would preclude participation or successful compliance with the protocol
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70808, United States
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