Jf. Vansteenkiste et al., HORMONAL TREATMENT IN ADVANCED NONSMALL CELL LUNG-CANCER - FACT OR FICTION, The European respiratory journal, 9(8), 1996, pp. 1707-1712
In patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, cachexia is an i
mportant cause of morbidity and mortality. The pathogenic mechanism of
this finding, usually referred to as ''cancer anorexia and cachexia s
yndrome'' (CACS), is complex and far from completely understood, but a
disturbed equilibrium between possible food intake and metabolic need
s seems to be fundamental, The literature data on the treatment option
s in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with cachexia are rev
iewed. Based on the clinical studies on cancer cachexia, some recommen
dations for the therapeutic approach of this disorder in patients with
advanced NSCLC can be given, Metoclopramide is easily administered, c
an alleviate gastric disturbances, but probably does not correct the c
atabolic spiral of CACS, There are not enough data to advise the use o
f parenteral nutritional support, hydrazine, cyproheptadine, tetrahydr
ocannabinol or nandrolone decanoate, Corticosteroids are useful in add
itional analgesia and fast palliation of very weak and debilitated pat
ients in the final episode of their disease, Recent data in non-small
cell lung cancer patients are in favour of the use of high-dose proges
tagens to improve both appetite and weight.