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Pentoxifylline for treatment of cancer anorexia and cachexia? A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
R M Goldberg1, C L Loprinzi, J A Mailliard
1Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Purpose:
Based on evidence that suggests pentoxifylline can inhibit tumor necrosis factor, we set out to evaluate the activity and toxicity of this drug in patients with cancer-associated anorexia and/or cachexia.
Patients And Methods:
Seventy patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 to 2 with cancer anorexia and/or cachexia (defined by a weight loss of > or = 5 lb in the preceding 2 months or a caloric intake < 20 kcal/kg/d) were stratified and then randomly assigned to receive pentoxifylline or identical-appearing placebo tablets in a double-blind fashion. Patients' weights were monitored and patient questionnaires were used to assess appetite, toxicity, and perception of benefit.
Results:
Pentoxifylline failed to improve the appetites of study patients. Pentoxifylline did not appear to cause any toxicity.
Conclusion:
This study failed to demonstrate any benefit of pentoxifylline at this dose and schedule as therapy for cancer anorexia and/or cachexia.