Phase II trial of mirtazapine for cancer-related cachexia and anorexia.
We performed an open-label single-institution phase II trial of mirtazapine (15-30 mg by mouth [po] every day [qd]), a tetracyclic antidepressant that may lead to weight gain, for 8 weeks in nondepressed patients with cancer-related cachexia/anorexia (CRCA). The primary end point was the proportion of patients who gained > or =1 kg at week 4. Secondary end points were quality of life and appetite. From June 2006 to July 2007, 17 of 58 eligible patients were enrolled. On intention-to-treat analysis at week 4, 4 of 17 patients (24%) gained 1 kg or more, 1 patient maintained weight (gain of 400 g) and 2 patients lost weight (800 g and 1.2 kg); 24% and 6% improved appetite and health-related quality of life (HQOL), respectively. Mirtazapine is a promising agent for the treatment of CRCA.
Department of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Canada. rachelri@terra.com.br
Rachel P
RP
Riechelmann
Debika
D
Burman
Ian F
IF
Tannock
Gary
G
Rodin
Camilla
C
Zimmermann
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000855:Anorexia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001066:Appetite / Q000187:drug effects; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002100:Cachexia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008803:Mianserin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D000078785:Mirtazapine; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D011788:Quality of Life
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D008803:Mianserin; D000078785:Mirtazapine