How are weight changes and muscle loss treated?

To help manage these symptoms, your oncologist may prescribe medicines such as megestrol acetate (Megace), anti-nausea medications, and steroid medications. These drugs can increase appetite for some people and may help to prevent weight and muscle loss, but they do not build up lost muscle tissue. A lot of research is underway to better help patients with these problems. There are two promising treatments that are currently in clinical trials. One trial involves ghrelin, a hormone that affects appetite and stimulates the release of growth hormone to build strength. Another study involves SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators), drugs that encourage the body to build new muscle tissue. An example is the drug Enobosarm (GTx-024), which is currently being tested in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Learn more about these and other related clinical trials at www.clinicaltrials.gov.
Keep in mind that appetite and energy levels may be affected by other treatable conditions, such as pain, anxiety or depression.