Anamorelin hydrochloride in the treatment of cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome. (April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Currow, David C; Abernethy, Amy P
• Is Part Of: Future oncology. Volume 10:Number 5(2014)
• Page Start: 789
• Page End: 802
• Publication Date: 2014-04
• Subjects: anamorelin HCl -- body weight -- cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome -- ghrelin receptor agonist -- handgrip strength -- lean body mass; Oncology -- Periodicals; 616.99405
• DOI: 10.2217/fon.14.14
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1479-6694

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Anamorelin hydrochloride is an orally active ghrelin receptor agonist in development by Helsinn, for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cachexia. In preclinical and clinical studies, the potent affinity of anamorelin for the ghrelin receptor is associated with significant appetite-enhancing activity and resultant improvements in body weight, lean body mass, and handgrip strength compared with placebo. The accompanying stimulatory effects on growth hormone and IGF-1 are not associated with tumor growth, and overall survival in patients with cancer is not compromised. Anamorelin is well tolerated with no dose-limiting toxicities identified to date. The findings of ongoing Phase III studies are needed to confirm the significant potential of anamorelin to treat NSCLC cachexia.