Cancer cachexia is a complex syndrome characterized by diminished nutrient intake and progressive tissue depletion manifest clinically as anorexia and weight loss. This review examines the basic research that has addressed the fundamental derangements in host intermediary protein metabolism and evaluates current therapeutic approaches to the management of cancer cachexia. This volume provides a new approach as well as a comprehensive review of current basic and clinical research. 1. Animal Models of Cancer Cachexia.- 2. Non-Invasive Techniques to Evaluate Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism.- 3. Invasive Techniques to Evaluate Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism: Regional and Whole Body Amino Acid Kinetic Studies.- 4. Cytokines in Cancer Cachexia.- 5. Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations in Cancer Cachexia.- 6. 3-Methylhistidine and Protein Catabolism.- 7. Regional Amino Acid Studies in Cancer Cachexia.- 8. Whole Body Amino Acid Studies in Cancer Cachexia.- 9. Total Parenteral Nutrition in Cancer.- 10. Enteral Nutrition in Cancer.- 11. Glutamine and Cancer Cachexia.- 12. Gluconeogenic Blockade.- 13. Insulin to Impact on Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism.- 14. Growth Hormone/IGF-1.- 15. Somatostatin.- 16. Adrenergic Agents.- 17. Steroids and Progestins.
