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Related Experiment Videos

Megestrol acetate in cancer cachexia.

E Schmoll1, H Wilke, R Thole

  • 1Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical School, Hannover University, Germany.

Seminars in Oncology
|February 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

Megestrol acetate (MA) shows a trend toward improving weight and body composition in advanced cancer patients with cachexia. High-dose MA may increase fat and lean body mass, though results were not statistically significant due to small sample size.

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Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Cancer cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome characterized by anorexia and significant weight loss.
  • Megestrol acetate (MA) is a progestational agent used to stimulate appetite and weight gain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two doses of megestrol acetate in patients with advanced cancer and cachexia.
  • To assess weight gain, anorexia, and body composition changes.

Main Methods:

  • Randomized, controlled trial involving 55 patients with advanced cancer and cachexia.
  • Patients received either 480 mg/d or 960 mg/d megestrol acetate, or placebo for 8 weeks.
  • Body water content was measured in a subgroup to assess body fat and lean body mass.

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Main Results:

  • A trend suggested beneficial effects of megestrol acetate on weight maintenance and gain.
  • Fewer patients experienced further weight loss in MA groups compared to placebo.
  • High-dose MA group showed an increase in both fat and lean body mass, unlike placebo and low-dose groups.

Conclusions:

  • Megestrol acetate demonstrates a potential positive effect on body composition in cancer cachexia.
  • Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm statistical significance.
  • MA was generally well-tolerated with mild side effects.