study of the changes in carbohydrate metabolism in malignant disease before and after radiation therapy

ABSTRACT

The measured metabolic parameters in 40 patients with malignant disease, compared to ten normal subjects, showed a decreased tolerance to glucose and increased resistance to insulin. This was associated with hyperlipaemia. A positive correlation was established between the extent of the tumours and the degree of these abnormalities. Favourable clinical response to radiotherapy was accompanied with a significant improvement in glucose utilization and a greater sensitivity to insulin. This coincide with a decrease in the hyper-fatty acidaemia. By contrast, the initial intolerance to carbohydrates did not improve in patients with unfavourable response. These patients showed also diminished sensitivity to insulin and persistant hyperlipaemia