Modeling the energetic cost of cancer as a result of altered energy metabolism: implications for cachexia

Conclusions: Quantifying the energetic cost of cancer may benefit an understanding of the tumor’s causation of cachexia. Our estimates of the range of tumor cost include values that are higher than prior estimates and suggest that in metastatic disease the tumor cost could be expected to eclipse attempts to stabilize energy balance through nutrition support or by drug therapies. Tumor mass and the percentage of anaerobic metabolism in the tumor contribute to the cost of the tumor on the body and potentially lead directly to negative energy balance and increased muscle wasting.
Source: Theoretical Biology and Medical Modelling - Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Source Type: research