Weight loss and Cachexia in lung cancer

Incidence, timing and severity of weight loss were studied in 479 patients with lung cancer. A phase of early weight loss, associated with a ∼ 50% reduction in survival, was identified. Food consumption was studied in normal individuals and in patients with and without weight loss. In these patients, anorexia failed to account for the weight loss. We discuss the possibility that weight loss results from interference by cancer with the metabolism of the host.