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)
• No concurrent omega 3 fatty acids or their congeners (e.g., ProSure™)
• No concurrent amino acid supplements
• Concurrent use of other dietary supplements (e.g., Ensure® or Boost) is allowed
• Concurrent enteral feedings via PEG or nasogastric tube are allowed