NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Published Studies Related to Megace ES (Megestrol)
Report of a Pilot, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Megestrol Acetate in Elderly Dialysis Patients With Cachexia. [2009.10.09] OBJECTIVE: We examined the effects of megestrol acetate versus placebo and progressive resistance physical exercise on weight, lean muscle mass, quality of life, ability to exercise, proinflammatory cytokines, and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and their correlations with one another... CONCLUSION: In a pilot trial in dialysis patients, MA showed significant benefits in improving weight and ability to exercise. Cytokine changes were correlated with weight gains and increases in fat-free mass.
Usage of megestrol acetate in the treatment of anorexia-cachexia syndrome in the elderly. [2009.05] The aim of this review is to assess the efficacy and safety of megestrol acetate (MA) in geriatric cachexia. The paper presented here reviews a previously published study of MA use in 69 patients in a randomized double blind placebo-controlled trial... Considering possible confounders, higher initial IL-6, initial TNFR-p75 levels, and final neutrophil percentage were associated with elevated mortality, whereas higher initial pre-albumin, initial albumin, final pre-albumin, final albumin and final weight gain were associated with decreased death.
Effect of megestrol acetate on serum albumin level in malnourished dialysis patients. [2009.03] OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition is a common problem in dialysis patients, and may affect up to one third of patients. It is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Although a number of studies were performed to determine effective treatment, there is no proven medication for this condition. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of megestrol acetate (MA) on serum albumin levels in malnourished dialysis patients... CONCLUSION: At a dose of 40 mg twice a day, MA safely increased serum albumin in malnourished dialysis patients.
Is megestrol acetate a suitable option for treatment of hot flashes in women with breast cancer? [2008.12] Chemotherapy for breast cancer is associated with the development of hot flashes, which can cause the patient considerable discomfort... and place them into clinical context, highlighting the need for additional studies of hormonal therapies in women with breast cancer.
Effects of megestrol acetate in patients with cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome--a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2008.11] INTRODUCTION: Anorexia-cachexia syndrome (ACS) often occurs in patients with advanced cancer. OBJECTIVES: To review the effect of megestrol acetate (MA) in patients with ACS... CONCLUSIONS: Compared to placebo, MA reduces the symptoms of ACS, with no effect on survival. The beneficial effect of MA on the overall quality of life has not been confirmed. In identified studies the effect of MA and glucocorticosteroids on anorexia and cachexia is similar. The estimation of the treatment utility in ACS depends on the weight attributed to discomfort caused by symptoms, adverse effects of the drugs and the treatment cost. Because of the low quality of the included studies a new randomized controlled trial is needed for valid assessment of the effects of MA.
Clinical Trials Related to Megace ES (Megestrol)
A Study of Megestrol Acetate Alone or in Combination With Testosterone Enanthate Drug in the Treatment of HIV-Associated Weight Loss [Completed]
To test the hypothesis that the predominant accrual of fat rather than lean body mass (LBM)
that occurs during treatment of HIV-associated wasting with megestrol acetate may be improved
by treatment with megestrol acetate and testosterone enanthate in combination.
Body wasting is an increasingly frequent AIDS-defining condition in individuals infected with
HIV. Increasing caloric intake fails to consistently restore lean tissue patients with HIV
associated weight loss. Megestrol acetate has been shown to stimulate appetite and weight
gain in subjects with cancer and in those with HIV associated weight loss. However, the
weight gained during treatment with megestrol acetate was predominantly or exclusively fat.
An important factor is the preferential increase in body fat seen in both of these studies
may have been due to hypogonadism that occurs as a result of treatment with megestrol
acetate, a progestational agent. Hypogonadism is associated with an increase in body fat and
a decrease in LBM. Concomitant testosterone replacement should substantially increase the
amount of LBM accrued during megestrol acetate therapy. This study will determine whether
anabolic potential can be realized when caloric intake is increased in the absence of
concomitant hypogonadism.
The Safety and Effectiveness of Megace in HIV-Infected Women [Completed]
To further evaluate the safety of megestrol acetate (Megace) oral suspension in the treatment
of anorexia and cachexia in HIV-positive women. To compare the effectiveness of 2 doses of
Megace by measurement of weight gain, appetite grade, and other parameters at 12 and 24
weeks.
Oxandrolone Compared With Megestrol in Preventing Weight Loss in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy for Cancer [Active, not recruiting]
RATIONALE: Oxandrolone and megestrol may help prevent weight loss and improve quality of life
in patients with cancer. It is not yet known whether oxandrolone is more effective than
megestrol in preventing weight loss and improving quality of life in patients who are
receiving chemotherapy for solid tumors.
PURPOSE: This randomized phase III trial is studying oxandrolone to see how well it works
compared to megestrol in preventing weight loss and improving quality of life in patients who
are receiving chemotherapy for solid tumors.
Comparison of Megestrol and/or Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Enriched Nutritional Supplement in Treating Patients With Cancer-Related Weight Loss and Lack of Appetite [Completed]
RATIONALE: Megestrol and /or an omega-3 fatty acid-enriched nutritional supplement may
improve cancer-related weight loss and lack of appetite. It is not yet known whether
megestrol alone, an omega-3 fatty acid-enriched nutritional supplement alone, or a
combination of both is most effective in treating cancer-related weight loss and loss of
appetite.
PURPOSE: Randomized phase III trial to compare the effectiveness of megestrol with or without
an omega-3 fatty acid-enriched nutritional supplement to that of the omega-3 fatty
acid-enriched nutritional supplement alone in treating patients who have cancer-related
weight loss and lack of appetite.
Cyproheptadine and Megestrol in Preventing Weight Loss in Children With Cachexia Caused By Cancer or Cancer Treatment [Completed]
RATIONALE: Cyproheptadine and megestrol may improve appetite and help prevent weight loss in
children with cancer.
PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying how well cyproheptadine and megestrol work in
improving appetite and preventing weight loss in children with cachexia caused by cancer or
cancer treatment.
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