Prior Alcohol Use does not Enhance Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Force Decrements Induced by Cancer Cachexia.

Tumor-bearing mice produced less force during a tetanic stimulation and fatigue protocol, in accordance with significant muscle atrophy of the triceps surae. The prior consumption of EtOH did not worsen cancer-induced deficits in skeletal muscle contraction. As it has been shown previously that the continuation of EtOH throughout the progression of cancer enhances cancer cachexia, these data exemplify the clinical benefits of stopping EtOH consumption as early as possible.