Transition from Severe Cancer Cachexia to Metabolic Recovery with Progressive Weight Gain Following a Structured Fasting-Based Dietary Pattern Combining One-Meal and Two-Meal Regimens: A PET-CT and Body Composition Correlated Case Report

Kavitha P S; Ramana V Krishnan

Transition from Severe Cancer Cachexia to Metabolic Recovery with Progressive Weight Gain Following a Structured Fasting-Based Dietary Pattern Combining One-Meal and Two-Meal Regimens: A PET-CT and Body Composition Correlated Case Report

Author(s)	Dr. Kavitha P S, Dr. Ramana V Krishnan
Country	India
Abstract	Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial metabolic syndrome characterized by progressive weight loss, skeletal muscle depletion, and systemic metabolic dysregulation. This case describes a young female with carcinoma of the hard palate who developed treatment-associated cachexia, with body weight declining from an initial range of 41–44 kg to approximately 37 kg following oncologic surgery in December 2023, and further decreasing to a nadir of ~34 kg, representing the most severe phase of cachexia.The cachectic phase was associated with severe constipation, markedly reduced energy levels, and disruption of menstrual cycles.A structured and monitored dietary protocol was implemented, beginning with an initial one-meal-a-day pattern, followed by a deliberate transition to a two-meal daily fasting-based regimen, consisting of an approximately 18-hour fasting period and an eating window of less than 6 hours (time-restricted feeding).Adjunctive support included mitochondrial-targeted interventions (NMN and trigonelline) aimed at improving cellular energy metabolism, along with digestive enzyme supplementation to support gastrointestinal recovery and nutrient absorption.Recovery was gradual, with energy improvement after ~39 kg, tissue healing after ~40 kg, and menstrual cycle restoration after ~45–48 kg.The patient demonstrated a sustained improvement in body weight from ~34 kg to 52.3 kg over approximately two years (late 2023 to 2025), achieved in association with this structured and monitored intervention.Comparative PET-CT imaging revealed initial high metabolic tumor activity (SUV 8.1) followed by complete metabolic resolution, with localized residual uptake (SUV 8.9) at the operative site, likely representing post-surgical inflammatory changes rather than persistent disease.Body composition analysis confirmed increase in lean body mass and normal visceral fat, consistent with physiological recovery.
Keywords	Cancer cachexia weight
Field	Biology
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-04-16

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Transition from Severe Cancer Cachexia to Metabolic Recovery with Progressive Weight Gain Following a Structured Fasting-Based Dietary Pattern Combining One-Meal and Two-Meal Regimens: A PET-CT and Body Composition Correlated Case Report

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