Nutritional manipulations and tumor growth I. The effects of starvation

The effects of starvation on tumor and host growth were studied in growing male Fischer rats bearing methylcholanthrene-induced sarcomas. Tumor growth was evaluated by changes in weight, volume, and incorporation of tritiated methyl thymidine into tumor DNA, (dpm/µg DNA). Host growth was followed by changes in total body weight, carcass weight, and dpm/µg liver DNA. All periods of starvation (24 to96 hr) caused significant decreases in host body and carcass weight and dpm/µg liver DNA. Changes in tumor weight and tumor volume in fed and starved animals were equal. Tumor dpm/µg DNA in starved animals increased (P < 0.005) relative to fed controls at 48, 72, and 96 hr starvation intervals. Starvation allows continued tumor growth while host wasting occurs, and is accompanied by increased tumor dpm/µg DNA in this system.