Another Strike Against Megestrol Acetate Therapy?

Megestrol acetate is a synthetic progestin indicated for the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers. It is also used off-label for the symptomatic relief of anorexia, cachexia, or unexplained weight loss in older adults with cancer, renal failure, and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). While the exact mechanism of how megestrol promotes weight gain is unclear, it is likely due to its action on proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukins 1 and 6.1
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Tags: Invited Perspective Source Type: research