Relatively little is known about the mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis in humans. Caloric restriction strongly inhibits the development of neoplasia in rodents, and there is evidence of a positive relationship between cancer and body weight in humans. Caloric restriction early in life is also known to permanently diminish organ cellularity. A recent link between adult stature and cancer incidence similarly implicates a lasting effect for growth and possibly for early nutrition in carcinogenesis. It is postulated that cancer risk is proportional to the number of proliferating cells, which in turn depends on both the number of cells and the rate of cell division within the tissue. This hypothesis is consistent with several aspects of human carcinogenesis, including multistage models and the epithelial origin of most cancers.
Nutrition support for the patient with cancer is an important part of the overall treatment regimen. Nutrition support for the child with cancer poses a special challenge. For the purpose of reviewing the special nutritional needs of children with cancer, a Task Force was formed by the American Academy of Pediatrics to review the current state of knowledge. The work of the Task Force was supported by the Food and Drug Administration through its Liaison Representative, Joginder Chopra, M.D., Staff support from the Academy was provided by Jean D. Lockhart, M.D., This review is prepared from the Task Force Report to the FDA. It is designed to review factors enhancing nutritional risks for the child with cancer and to discuss nutritional intervention strategies and their efficacies.
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