Comparison of Nutritional Supplements in Preventing Weight Loss in Patients With Cancer

You may be eligible if

• DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:
• Histologically or cytologically confirmed solid tumor or lymphoma with no leukemic aspect
• * Stage III or IV or any other stage associated with current metastatic disease at presentation
• * No primary or metastatic brain tumors
• Weight loss of at least 2% but no more than 10% within the past 3 months
• No ascites
• PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:
• Age
• 17 and over
• Performance status
• Zubrod 0-2
• Life expectancy
• At least 3 months
• Hematopoietic
• Not specified
• Hepatic
• Not specified
• Renal
• No hypercalcemia
• Cardiovascular
• No persistent moderate or severe peripheral edema
• No uncontrolled congestive heart failure
• Gastrointestinal
• No enteric fistula
• No concurrent intestinal obstruction
• * Prior intestinal obstruction allowed
• Other
• Not pregnant or nursing
• Negative pregnancy test
• No uncontrolled infections
• No other serious medical illness
• No metabolic disorder
• PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:
• Biologic therapy
• Not specified
• Chemotherapy
• Concurrent chemotherapy allowed
• Endocrine therapy
• No dexamethasone as an appetite stimulant
• Intermittent dexamethasone during concurrent chemotherapy allowed
• Radiotherapy
• Concurrent radiotherapy allowed
• Surgery
• At least 1 week since prior minor surgery
• At least 3 weeks since prior major surgery
• Other
• At least 30 days since prior total parenteral nutrition
• No concurrent parenteral feedings
• No concurrent known appetite stimulants (e.g., megestrol or dronabinol)
• No concurrent omega 3 fatty acids or their congeners (e.g., ProSure™)
• No concurrent amino acid supplements
• Concurrent use of other dietary supplements (e.g., Ensure® or Boost) is allowed
• Concurrent enteral feedings via PEG or nasogastric tube are allowed