PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - JF Vansteenkiste
AU  - JP Simons
AU  - EF Wouters
AU  - MG Demedts
TI  - Hormonal treatment in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: fact or fiction?
AID  - 10.1183/09031936.96.09081707
DP  - 1996 Aug 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - 1707--1712
VI  - 9
IP  - 8
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/9/8/1707.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/9/8/1707.full
SO  - Eur Respir J1996 Aug 01; 9
AB  - In patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, cachexia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The pathogenic mechanism of this finding, usually referred to as "cancer anorexia and cachexia syndrome" (CACS), is complex and far from completely understood, but a disturbed equilibrium between possible food intake and metabolic needs seems to be fundamental. The literature data on the treatment options in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with cachexia are reviewed. Based on the clinical studies on cancer cachexia, some recommendations for the therapeutic approach of this disorder in patients with advanced NSCLC can be given. Metoclopramide is easily administered, can alleviate gastric disturbances, but probably does not correct the catabolic spiral of CACS. There are not enough data to advise the use of parenteral nutritional support, hydrazine, cyproheptadine, tetrahydrocannabinol or nandrolone decanoate. Corticosteroids are useful in additional analgesia and fast palliation of very weak and debilitated patients 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 progestagens to improve both appetite and weight.