ABSTRACT
These observations suggest that decreased food intake alone cannot account for the progressive weight loss noted in cancer patients.
Since predictable renutrition of the cancer patient has not been possible, a great deal of research has been conducted concerning specific hormonal and metabolic abnormalities which could interfere with renutrition. Over the last 15 years, research on the basic pathophysiology of cancer cachexia has resulted in the definition of several metabolic and hormonal abnormalities in malnourished cancer patients. These abnormalities are listed in Table 50.1.
