Standards, Options and Recommendations (SOR) for the use of appetite stimulants in oncology

Context. The "Standards, Options and Recommendations" (SOR) project, starte d in 1993, is a collaboration between the Federation of the French Cancer C entres (FNCLCC), the 20 French Cancer Centres and specialists from French P ublic Universities, General Hospitals and Private Clinics. The main objecti ve is the development of clinical practice guidelines to improve the qualit y of health care and outcome for cancer patients. The methodology is based on literature review and critical appraisal by a multidisciplinary group of experts, with feedback from specialists in cancer care delivery. Objective s. To develop clinical practice guidelines according to the definitions of the Standards, Options and Recommendations project for the use of appetite stimulants in oncology. Methods. Data were identified by searching Medline( R) and the personal reference lists of members of the expert groups. Once t he guidelines were defined, the document was submitted for review to 55 ind ependent reviewers, and to the medical committees of the 20 French Cancer C entres. Results. The main recommendations for the use of appetite stimulant s in oncology are. 1) Corticosteroids and the synthetic progestogens (meges trol acetate and medroxyprogesterone acetate) are appetite stimulants. 2) T hey can be useful in managing anorexia and weight loss in cancer patients, especially in the palliative setting, despite the potential side-effects of these agents. 3) The most effective way of using these drugs is not known. Inclusion in clinical trials is recommended. 4) Cyproheptadine, metoclopra mide, nandrolone and pentoxifylline should not be used outside prospective clinical trials. 5) Hydrazine sulfate should not be used.