Megestrol acetate in cachexia and anorexia

Abstract

Abstract:The aim is to review major clinical trials that have used megestrol acetate (MA) in the treatment of cachexia across several disease states. A review of general usage and potential side-effects are discussed. A theory that the newly approved nanocrystal formation of MA can better deliver this potent medication for treatment will also be reviewed.

Clinical Studies on the Treatment of Cancer Cachexia with Megestrol Acetate plus Thalidomide

“…Synthetic progestogen medroxyprogesterone or MA are currently the only approved drugs for CACS; their mechanism to treat CACS may be partly related to glucocorticoid activity and the ability to downregulate the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and to increase food intake by neuropeptide Y release [23,24]. …”

The gender- and fat depot-specific regulation of leptin, resistin and adiponectin genes expression by progesterone in rat

“…A synthetic progesterone derivative (17␣-OH-progesterone derivative), megestrol acetate, is being used to stimulate appetite and to induce weight gain in patients with cancer or AIDS, as well as in cachectic elderly subjects [13][14][15][16][17][18]. Megestrol acetate administration induces mainly adipose tissue mass gain [14,15].…”

Dissolution Improvement and the Mechanism of the Improvement from Cocrystallization of Poorly Water-soluble Compounds

“…EX, a steroidal aromatase inhibitor, decreases contralateral new breast cancer in postmenopausal women when taken in the adjuvant setting (25) and is categorized as BCS Class II. MA reduces the suffering caused by advanced breast and endometrial cancers and treats loss of appetite and severe weight loss in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (26,27). MA requires micronization or nanomization to improve BA (28).…”