Anamorelin hydrochloride in the treatment of cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome.
Anamorelin hydrochloride is an orally active ghrelin receptor agonist in development by Helsinn, for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cachexia. In preclinical and clinical studies, the potent affinity of anamorelin for the ghrelin receptor is associated with significant appetite-enhancing activity and resultant improvements in body weight, lean body mass, and handgrip strength compared with placebo. The accompanying stimulatory effects on growth hormone and IGF-1 are not associated with tumor growth, and overall survival in patients with cancer is not compromised. Anamorelin is well tolerated with no dose-limiting toxicities identified to date. The findings of ongoing Phase III studies are needed to confirm the significant potential of anamorelin to treat NSCLC cachexia.
Discipline of Palliative & Supportive Services, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
David C
DC
Currow
Amy P
AP
Abernethy
D000855:Anorexia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D002100:Cachexia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D006834:Hydrazines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D054440:Receptors, Ghrelin / Q000819:agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D006834:Hydrazines; D009842:Oligopeptides; D054440:Receptors, Ghrelin; C000593861:anamorelin