Megestrol acetate for cachexia and anorexia in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a randomized study comparing two different doses.
BACKGROUND
The primary aim of the study was to compare two different dose levels of megestrol acetate, administered for cancer-related anorexia and cachexia for 3 months.


METHODS
From August 1996 to December 2000, 119 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer were randomized to take 160 mg/day or 320 mg/day of megestrol acetate for 3 months at the Gülhane Military Medicine Academy of Ankara, Turkey. Patients were controlled at biweekly periods.


RESULTS
There were 59 patients in the single dose arm (group 1) and 60 patients in the twice a day dose arm (group 2). The mean percentages of weight loss were 16.9% and 16.7% in group 1 and 2, respectively. In the first and the second month of weight gain, there were no significant differences in the two groups (P = 0.23 and P = 0.11). In the third month, weight gain was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (P = 0.038). Toxicity was similar for both dose levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Megestrol acetate can be safely and effectively given to patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Although lower doses of megestrol acetate can be effective for anorexia and cachexia, the higher dose level seems to be more efficient.
Ulutin
H Cüneyt
HC
Department of Radiation Oncology, Gülhane Military Medicine Academy, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. culutin@yahoo.com
Arpaci
Fikret
F
Pak
Yücel
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000855:Anorexia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002100:Cachexia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D019290:Megestrol Acetate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015430:Weight Gain
D019290:Megestrol Acetate