Intravenous Ghrelin for Cancer Anorexia/Cachexia
Author Information
Author(s): Florian Strasser, Lutz T A, Maeder M T, Thuerlimann B, Bueche D, Tschöp M, Kaufmann K, Holst B, Brändle M, von Moos R, Demmer R, Cerny T
Primary Institution: Cantonal Hospital, Rorschacherstrasse, St Gallen, Switzerland
Hypothesis
Does intravenous ghrelin improve safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in patients with cancer-related anorexia/cachexia?
Conclusion
Ghrelin is well tolerated and safe in patients with advanced cancer, with no significant differences in food intake or symptoms compared to placebo.
Supporting Evidence
- 81% of patients preferred ghrelin to placebo at day 8.
- No grade 3/4 toxicity or stimulation of tumor growth was observed.
- Morning fasting total ghrelin levels were significantly higher for upper-dose patients at the end of the study.
Takeaway
Ghrelin is a medicine that helps people with cancer who don't feel like eating, and it seems safe to use.
Methodology
This was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm, double-crossover study involving 21 adult patients with advanced cancer.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small sample size and the subjective nature of patient-reported outcomes.
Limitations
The study was limited by its small sample size and short duration, which may not capture long-term effects.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 21 adults with advanced cancer, with a median age of 68 years, and a mix of genders and cancer types.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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