Improving Outcome of Cancer Anorexia Based on Mechanistic Understanding and Novel Nutritional Therapeutic Strategies (1995)

Title:

Improving Outcome of Cancer Anorexia Based on Mechanistic Understanding and Novel Nutritional Therapeutic Strategies

Key words:

Cachexia, serotonin, tryptophan

Research Institution:

State University of New York Health Science Center

Location:

New York

Researcher:

Michael M Meguid

Project Description:

Dr. Meguid tested his hypothesis based on clinical and experimental data that cancer anorexia is mediated by increased serotonin synthesis in the hypothalamus. He examined if cancer anorexia can be reversed by depleting the hypothalamus of the serotonin precursor, tryptophan, leading to physiological ways to improve the feeding behavior of cancer patients.