Megestrol acetate in cancer patients with anorexia and weight loss. A Hellenic Co-operative Oncology Group (HeCOG) study.

Fifty-two patients with hormone-independent cancer, who complained of anorexia and of weight loss with at least 10%, received megestrol acetate (MA), 480 mg daily, during 1-21 weeks. Of the 41 patients treated during 4 weeks or longer, 38 experienced weight gain. Monthly subjective evaluation of six parameters using a linear analog self-assessment (LASA) form showed a significant improvement in the patient's rating of appetite, mood, nausea and vomiting, and quality of life; the tumor was progressive in 21, stable in 11 and it regressed in only 9 of these patients. No toxicity was observed; one case of death due to a congestive heart failure remains unexplained. MA at the dose used is a powerful appetite stimulant; it contributes to weight increase and might improve the subjective appreciation of quality of life. MA at lower doses should be compared in a prospective trial to the dose used in this study.