Neuromuscular Function as a pre-cachectic screening tool
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Neuromuscular Function as a pre-cachectic screening tool (NeuroFun pre-cast)
IRAS ID
344626
Contact name
Thomas George Di Virgilio
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Stirling
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Many chronic diseases are associated with an irreversible wasting of muscle and adipose tissue termed cachexia. Cachexia contributes to treatment failure and early death in many conditions, including cancer. Early detection of cachexia would be very beneficial, as early intervention with exercise and/or feeding may moderate progression. Early interventions to mitigate muscle loss in particular would have positive impacts on quality of life and response to treatment. In this pilot study, we propose to assess the feasibility of using a non-invasive brain stimulation technique (Transcranial magnetic stimulation – TMS) to assess brain-to-muscle communications in individuals with and without cancer cachexia. Data
generated by this project will be used to underpin subsequent bids (e.g. MRC, CRUK) to investigate TMS as a screening tool to detect early stages of muscle loss, applicable to several diseases (e.g. cancer, renal failure, AIDS), thus directing early efforts to maintain muscle mass.REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/WM/0202
Date of REC Opinion
19 Dec 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion