Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Treating Patients With Advanced Cancer Who Have Significant Weight Loss

Inclusion Criteria

• •DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:
• •Histologically or cytologically proven advanced cancer not amenable to curative therapy (solid tumors and hematologic malignancies eligible except primary and metastatic brain tumors)
• •Cachexia (weight loss at least 2 percent within a one month period)
• •PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:
• •Age:
• •18 and over
• •Performance Status:
• •CALBG 0-2
• •Life Expectancy:
• •At least 2 months
• •Hematopoietic:
• •Granulocytes greater than 1,000/mm3
• •Platelet count greater than 75,000/mm3
• •Hemoglobin greater than 8 mg/dL
• •Hepatic:
• •AST less than 3 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
• •Alkaline phosphatase less than 3 times ULN
• •Bilirubin less than 1.5 times ULN
• •Renal:
• •BUN less than 1.5 times ULN
• •Creatinine less than 1.5 times ULN
• •Cardiovascular:
• •No congestive heart failure requiring diuretics within less than 6 months
• •No uncontrolled or severe cardiovascular disease within less than 6 months
• •No myocardial infarction within less than 6 months
• •Other:
• •Not pregnant nor contemplating pregnancy during study
• •Negative pregnancy test
• •No uncontrolled hypercalcemia
• •No metabolic disorders (hyperthyroidism)
• •No poorly controlled diabetes
• •No peripheral edema or ascites requiring diuretics
• •No enteric fistulas, with tracheobronchial fistulas or with aspiration
• •No esophageal or bowel obstruction that would preclude eating
• •Free T4 within normal range
• •No serious medical illness
• •No psychosis
• •No uncontrolled bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
• •No active uncontrolled duodenal ulcers
• •Above laboratory values required unless bone marrow, liver, kidney, or splenic involvement by tumor is documented
• •PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:
• •Biologic therapy:
• •Not specified
• •Chemotherapy:
• •Prior and concurrent chemotherapy allowed
• •Endocrine therapy:
• •No concurrent steroids such as dronabinol or megestrol acetate (except for adrenal failure)
• •Radiotherapy:
• •No prior or concurrent radiotherapy to abdomen or pelvis
• •Surgery:
• •Greater than 3 weeks since major surgery
• •Greater than 1 week since minor surgery
• •Other:
• •No concurrent diuretics