Cancer cachexia is characterized by decreased body weight (mainly lean body mass [LBM]) and negatively impacts quality of life (QOL) and prognosis. Anamorelin (ONO-7643) is a novel selective ghrelin receptor agonist under development for treating cancer cachexia.
In this double-blind, exploratory phase 2 trial, we examined the efficacy and safety of anamorelin in Japanese patients (n = 181) with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and cancer cachexia (≥5 % weight loss within the previous 6 months). The participants were randomized into three groups and were administered 50 or 100 mg anamorelin, or placebo, orally every day for 12 weeks. The co-primary endpoints were the changes from baseline over 12 weeks in LBM and handgrip strength (HGS). Secondary endpoints included body weight, QOL, Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS), and serum biomarkers.
The change in LBM over 12 weeks was 0.55 and 1.15 kg in the placebo and 100-mg anamorelin groups, respectively, but the efficacy of anamorelin in HGS was not detected. The changes in body weight were -0.93, 0.54, and 1.77 kg in the placebo, 50-mg anamorelin, and 100-mg anamorelin groups, respectively. Anamorelin (100 mg) significantly improved KPS and QOL-ACD compared with placebo. Administration of anamorelin for 12 weeks was well tolerated.
This phase 2 study showed that 100 mg anamorelin has promising results in improving lean body mass, performance status, and especially, QOL in patients with cancer cachexia.

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