A controlled trial of megestrol acetate in cancer patients with anorexia and cachexia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to observe that megestrol acetate leads to appetite stimulation and nonfluid weight gain in patients with cancer associated anorexia and cachexia. STUDY DESIGN: To examine the effect of megestrol acetate in the treatment of anorexia and weight loss in patients with ovary cancer, a prospective randomized'placebo-controlled trial was designed at the Dr. Zekai Tahir Burak Woman Hospital - Clinical Oncology, between October 1996 and April 1997. . / RESULTS: Megestrol acetate, at a dose of 480 mg daily, has been given in 50 ovary caricer patients with anorexia and cachexia. The treatment duration was 3 months patients receiving megestrol acetate reported improved appetie and food intake when compared with 45 patient given placebo. No clinically toxic reactions were observed to megestrol acetate. CONCLUSION: These data confirmed that megestrol acetate acted as a powerful appetite stimulant and leaded to weight gain in ovary cancer patients with anorexia and cachexia. (Gynecol Obstet Reprod Med 1997; 3:445-447)