Comparison of Nutritional Supplements in Preventing Weight Loss in Patients With Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically or cytologically confirmed solid tumor or lymphoma with no leukemic aspect * Stage III or IV or any other stage associated with current metastatic disease at presentation * No primary or metastatic brain tumors * Weight loss of at least 2% but no more than 10% within the past 3 months * No ascites PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age * 17 and over Performance status * Zubrod 0-2 Life expectancy * At least 3 months Hematopoietic * Not specified Hepatic * Not specified Renal * No hypercalcemia Cardiovascular * No persistent moderate or severe peripheral edema * No uncontrolled congestive heart failure Gastrointestinal * No enteric fistula * No concurrent intestinal obstruction * Prior intestinal obstruction allowed Other * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * No uncontrolled infections * No other serious medical illness * No metabolic disorder PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy * Not specified Chemotherapy * Concurrent chemotherapy allowed Endocrine therapy * No dexamethasone as an appetite stimulant * Intermittent dexamethasone during concurrent chemotherapy allowed Radiotherapy * Concurrent radiotherapy allowed Surgery * At least 1 week since prior minor surgery * At least 3 weeks since prior major surgery Other * At least 30 days since prior total parenteral nutrition * No concurrent parenteral feedings * No concurrent known appetite stimulants (e.g., megestrol or dronabinol) * …