A report in Science magazine that I haven't been able to read says scientist have having some success in mice in stopping cancer related wasting. (I listened to a podcast interview on the research.)
The report apparently explains how particular lipases stimulate Cachexia (wasting away) that is so common with pancreatic cancer (and some other types, too).
There are trials at the mice level showing that scientists have found compounds that will stop or at least slow the wasting.
A little while ago a tabloid claimed that Mr. Jobs was, in fact, wasting away rapidly and apparently one doctor gave him only a short time to live. In fact, I think that time has already expired, so luckily those who were guessing about how drastically ill Mr. Jobs was, were wrong.
But still we do see that he is very thin.
I heard the podcast interview on this new research. They are having success with mice as I said, but are not ready for human tests. If Mr. Jobs gets that sick, I'm not sure he'd be ready to die without trying it. And if anyone could get this help early, I'm guessing he and/or his people could do it.
Go to Podcast Interview Rudolf Zechner for the podcast.
Or see abstract Adipose Triglyceride Lipase Contributes to Cancer-Associated Cachexia and related choices for paying to view entire report.
