Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026
08:14
A Method to Define the Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Colon Microbiome Biodiversity in a Mouse Colon Tumor Model
Published on: February 28, 2018
9.2K
Anamorelin in Cancer Cachexia: Gut Microbiota Effects and CONUT Score as a Predictor of Response
Shogen Boku1, Tomoyo Yasuda1, Tatsuki Ikoma1,2
1Cancer Treatment Center, Kansai Medical University Hospital, Hirakata, Japan.
In Vivo (Athens, Greece)
|October 30, 2025
Summary
Anamorelin treatment increased body weight and improved appetite in patients with cancer cachexia. However, it did not significantly alter gut microbiota or overall quality of life, and a high CONUT score predicted poor short-term weight gain.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anamorelin, a ghrelin receptor agonist, is known to increase body weight and lean body mass.
- Its effects on gut microbiota and the predictive value of nutritional scores for treatment response are not well-established.
- Cancer cachexia significantly impacts patient quality of life and treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of anamorelin on body weight, quality of life (QOL), and gut microbiota in advanced cancer patients with cachexia.
- To determine if nutritional indicators, specifically the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score, can predict anamorelin response.
Main Methods:
- A single-center prospective observational study involving cachectic cancer patients receiving anamorelin 100 mg/day with dietary counseling.
- Outcomes assessed included changes in body weight, QOL (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL), and gut microbiota diversity.
- Association between baseline CONUT score and weight gain at 6 weeks was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Anamorelin significantly increased body weight from baseline at 3, 6, and 12 weeks (mean increase of +2.61 kg at 12 weeks).
- Appetite loss scores improved significantly (p=0.033), but overall QOL showed no significant change.
- Gut microbiota diversity (alpha and beta) remained unchanged; a high baseline CONUT score (≥5) was associated with failure to gain weight within six weeks (p=0.01).
Conclusions:
- Anamorelin demonstrated efficacy in increasing body weight and improving appetite in cancer cachexia patients.
- No significant impact on overall QOL or gut microbiota diversity was observed within the study period.
- A high baseline CONUT score may serve as a negative predictor for short-term weight gain response to anamorelin, warranting further investigation.
