To the Editor:—
In his article on "Recent Advances in the Treatment of the Cancer Patient" in The Journal, Nov. 5, 1960, page 1287, Dr. Warren H. Cole said, "... if the weight loss has been, for example, 15 or 20 lb., I insist that 4 or 5 lb. be regained. However, most patients with cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity, and many other areas will be unable to eat more than 800 to 1,000 calories per day. By inserting a soft plastic tube through the patient's nose into the stomach it is often possible to give the patient another 800 to 1,000 calories.... One or two liters of 10% fructose and 5% amino-acids and 500 cc. of fat intravenously will furnish an additional 1,350 and 3,700 calories.... By this procedure it has been possible to achieve a weight gain of 4 or 5 lb. in as many days."To