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Drugs
Published in: Drugs 4/2001

01-04-2001 | Therapy in Practice

Managing Cancer-Related Anorexia/Cachexia

Authors: Professor Giovanni Mantovani, Antonio Macciò, Elena Massa, Clelia Madeddu

Published in: Drugs | Issue 4/2001

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Abstract

Cancer-related anorexia/cachexia (CAC) is a complex phenomenon in which metabolic abnormalities, proinflammatory cytokines produced by the host immune system, circulating tumour-derived catabolic factors, decreased food intake, and probably additional unknown factors, all play different roles.
This review examines the mechanisms of CAC and its management. All the potential modalities of intervention from nutritional to pharmacological approaches are included with a clear distinction between unproven, investigational and well established treatments. Among the latter, the progestogens are currently considered the most effective and safest drugs for the management of CAC. Agents currently under investigation for CAC include thalidomide, pentoxifylline and melatonin, which most probably act on cytokine release, and clenbuterol, which acts on muscle mass and to antagonise protein wasting.
Our personal experience with the synthetic progestogens megestrol and medroxyprogesterone supports their use as first-line agents. In addition, our work on the potential role of antioxidant agents in counteracting the oxidative stress, which appears to be involved in CAC, shows them to be promising agents when used in combination chemotherapy regimens either alone or with other ‘biologics’.
There is an ongoing need for quality of life questionnaires which specifically address the most significant symptoms present in patients with CAC.
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Metadata
Title
Managing Cancer-Related Anorexia/Cachexia
Authors
Professor Giovanni Mantovani
Antonio Macciò
Elena Massa
Clelia Madeddu
Publication date
01-04-2001
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Drugs / Issue 4/2001
Print ISSN: 0012-6667
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1950
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200161040-00004

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Drugs 4/2001 Go to the issue

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Review of Macrolides and Ketolides

Leading Article

Potential of Microvascular Reperfusion with Adjunctive Pharmacological Intervention

Current Opinion

β-Blockers in the Management of Hypertension in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Adis New Drug Profile

Argatroban

Adis New Drug Profile

Argatroban