Energy metabolism and requirements in the cancer patient
Young, V.R.
Cancer Research 37(7 Pt 2): 2336-2347
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-5472 PMID: 324612 Document Number: 123125
As a basis for assessing energy metabolism and requirements in cancer patients, selected aspects of whole-body energy metabolism are considered, with particular reference to basal energy metabolism and factors that affect it. The importance of protein metabolism in relation to whole-body energy metabolism is emphasized. The need to consider the relations between protein and energy nutrition and metabolism in the comprehensive evaluation of the energy needs of cancer patients also is stressed. Published information on the basal metabolic rate of patients with malignant disease is difficult to evaluate for metabolic and nutritional significance. Estimates of the utilization of main fuel sources in cancer patients are still limited, but the available information suggests that there may be a change in the pattern of fuel utilization, with lipid sources predominating, an altered regulation of glucose metabolism and a reduced efficiency of energy utilization in some, but not all, cancer patients. The best balance of the main exogenous energy sources and level of total energy intake sufficient to meet the energy demands of organs and the whole body cannot be easily predicted and only crude guidelines can be suggested.