Cachexia, the accelerated loss of weight, particularly muscle mass, is a frequent complication in cancer patients, a poor prognostic factor that affects tolerance to cytostatic treatment and is a major cause of death.
It is usually accompanied by anorexia, forming the “anorexia-cachexia syndrome” characterized by a decrease in caloric intake with progressive depletion of fat and muscle tissue that leads to a weight loss that generally exceeds 10% in 6 months.
The most extensively studied appetite-stimulating drugs are corticosteroids and progestins. Prednisolone and dexamethasone have a favorable effect on appetite, providing a feeling of well-being, although their effectiveness in reducing weight gain is debatable and their effect diminishes over time. Regarding progestins such as megestrol acetate, randomized studies using different doses demonstrate an increase in appetite and weight.
