By DoM Communications | Date published: May 15, 2026

Nikita Bhalerao to Study Cancer Cachexia with Early K99/R00 Grant Award 

Nikita Bhalerao, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Jason Pitarresi, PhD, was awarded an early K99/R00 to study cancer cachexia, which affects 75% of pancreatic cancer patients and manifests as loss of adipose and muscle tissues. While pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed at much later stages, when the tumors have metastasized and severe cachexia has already set in, the K99/R00 grant will allow Dr. Bhalerao to look at chronic pancreatitis patients who are at risk of developing pancreatic cancer, to determine molecular changes affecting adipose and muscle metabolism in the context of pancreatitis. At the end of this award period, Dr. Bhalerao hopes to have an inter-organ metabolic map that identifies novel drivers of cachexia in chronic pancreatitis.  

Please join us in recognizing Dr. Bhalerao on this accomplishment!