Cachexia is a form of malnutrition commonly found in patients with advanced cancer. The National Cancer Institute reports that cachexia is the direct cause of death in 20 to 40 percent of cancer deaths. Cachexia is characterized by unintentional weight loss, increasing weakness, taste changes and a feeling of being full that comes on quickly. The cause is unknown, but experts believe that multiple factors lead to cachexia, including altered metabolism. Cachexia is hard to improve, but medications may help increase appetite.
Megace
Megestrol acetate, or Megace, is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. It stimulates appetite in patients with cachexia. The National Cancer Institute reports that regular use of this medication can help patients gain fat. It should, however, be used with caution in high doses due to its increased risk for causing blood clots.
Decadron
Dexamethasone, or Decadron, is a steroid commonly used for the treatment of cachexia. How dexamethasone works to stimulate appetite is unknown. This medication has been shown to increase appetite, but it is intended for short-term use. Long-term use of more than a month or two is not recommended because it can lower the immune system and can actually cause muscle loss.
Marinol
Dronabinol, or Marinol, is a medication derived from the cannabis plant, better known as marijuana. The University of British Columbia reports that Marinol may increase appetite through suppressing nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. According the the National Cancer Institute, no current (as of April 2010) research shows that this medication is effective for preventing weight loss with cachexia.
Thalidomide
Thalidomide is an anti-inflammatory medication used to increase appetite and prevent weight loss. This medication has been shown to decrease substances that produce inflammation, thought to contribute to cachexia. According to Dr. M. Stroud from the Institute of Nutrition, studies have shown that some cancers respond to thalidomide while others do not. Other anti-inflammatory medications currently being studied include melatonin, omega-3 fatty acids and pentoxifylline.
Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids such as oxandrolone and nandrolone decanoate may potentially be helpful in preventing cachexia weight loss. These steroids are designed to rebuild muscle mass which is lost with cancerous disease.
References
- Thalidomide and Cancer Cachexia: Old Problem New Hope
- "Pathophysiology: The Biological Basis for Disease in Adults and Children"; McCance, K. Ph.D., Huether, S. Ph.D.; 2002
- National Cancer Institute: Tumor Induced Effects on Nutritional Status
- National Cancer Institute: Overview of Nutrition and Cancer
- University of British Columbia: Marinol for AIDS-related anorexia/weight loss
