Decreased lung metastasis and tumor growth in parenterally fed mice

The influence of alternate forms of nutritional support on primary tumor growth rate, tumor DNA synthesis rate, and number of lung metastases was examined in Swiss mice bearing subcutaneously implanted Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC). From Day 14 through 22 postimplant, mice were fed by continuous intravenous infusion of dextrose/amino acid (TPN), were offered the same solution from a feeding bottle (PO), were offered a casein-based, solid diet (CASEIN), or were infused with an electrolyte (ELECT) solution while energy and nitrogen were provided from the casein diet. Tumor weight and doubling time were decreased in the PO group compared to CASEIN; however, host weight decreased by 22% in the PO group. Tumor weight and DNA synthesis were decreased in the TPN group compared to CASEIN, and host weight increased by 4.6%. The decreased rate of tumor growth in the PO group was not reflected in a decrease in DNA synthesis, perhaps a result of the circadian pattern of DNA synthesis as previously reported for LLC. The number of metastatic lung nodules was significantly decreased in both the TPN and ELECT groups compared to PO and CASEIN, suggesting that intravenous fluid load rather than nutrient intake was the causative factor. In this host-tumor system, parenteral feeding was associated with a decrease in primary tumor weight and DNA synthesis rate, maintenance of host weight, and a decrease in pulmonary metastatic disease compared to mice fed a conventional diet.