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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
09:19
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: February 6, 2015
Cancer-associated anorexia and cachexia. Implications for drug therapy
C L Loprinzi1, R M Goldberg, N L Burnham
1Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Drugs
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Cancer anorexia and cachexia are significant challenges. Megestrol acetate shows promise in stimulating appetite and improving weight in cancer patients, unlike other evaluated drugs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer-associated anorexia and cachexia significantly impact patient health.
- Current treatments like anti-cancer therapy and nutritional support have limited success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate drugs for ameliorating cancer-associated anorexia/cachexia.
- To review the efficacy of cyproheptadine, corticosteroids, and megestrol acetate.
Main Methods:
- Review of randomized clinical trials and preliminary evidence for various drugs.
- Analysis of appetite stimulation and weight gain effects.
Main Results:
- Cyproheptadine showed minimal appetite stimulation without weight gain.
- Corticosteroids stimulated appetite but did not lead to substantial nonfluid weight gain.
- Megestrol acetate demonstrated significant appetite stimulation and nonfluid weight gain, with potential antiemetic properties.
Conclusions:
- Megestrol acetate is a promising agent for managing cancer anorexia/cachexia.
- Further research is ongoing for megestrol acetate, anabolic steroids, and hydrazine sulfate, but only megestrol acetate is currently supported by evidence for clinical use.
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