Anorexia, serum zinc, and immunologic response in small cell lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and prophylactic cranial radiotherapy

摘要: Anorexia is a major clinical problem for patients with certain types of cancer. The specific mechanisms that result in this spontaneous decline food intake remain unknown. In noncancer populations, zinc has been shown to play role maintaining normal appetite, taste acuity, and immunocompetence. One purpose prospective, longitudinal study cachexia ten males small cell lung carcinoma was determine if anorexia (caloric intake), perceived changes, intake, impaired cellular immunity were associated serum concentrations. average daily caloric declined 490 kcal from time diagnosis seven months after (mean = 72% RDA). Daily ranged 6.5 25.4 mg over the months. During period, mean concentrations, although low (71 micrograms/dl), remained within range. weight 81.7 74.1 kg. There no identifiable pattern changes; most changes recorded during period coinciding prophylactic cranial radiation. At initial testing, four nine subjects anergic battery skin test antigens (mumps, candida, tuberculin purified protein derivative). only subject who responsive two throughout alive at 12 Caloric inadequate maintain weight. While low, concentrations maintained; thus sample, does not appear be anorexigenic factor.