Tumor and host carcass changes during total parenteral nutrition in an anorectic rat-tumor system

The independent effects of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) on tumor growth and host carcass are important in designing effective nutritional support. In this study, a TPN regimen was used to keep substrate intake at normal levels during a 10-day period of tumor-induced anorexia and cachexia in rats transplanted with a sarcoma. Tumor mass was increased in TPN-supported animals compared to orally-fed controls. Tumor composition (water, fat, nitrogen) was similar in all tumors. Host carcass mass in tumor-bearing (TB) animals was increased by TPN as compared to orally-fed TB controls, but not to the same extent as in orally-fed or TPN-supported nontumor-bearing controls. Host carcass composition determinations demonstrated significantly increased fat content but no significant change in protein or water content in TB-TPN animals compared to orally-fed TB animals. This study demonstrates increased tumor growth and increased host carcass fat stores secondary to TPN.