In cancer patients with cachexia (various cancers, n=21 (Garcia et al, 2005); breast and colorectal cancer, n=18 (Wolf et al, 2006); lung cancer, n=21 (Shimizu et al, 2003)), ghrelin morning fasting levels were 1.3- to 1.5-fold higher than in those without cachexia and healthy controls. The gene discussed is GHRL; the disease is colorectal cancer.