Comparison of Megestrol and/or Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Enriched Nutritional Supplement in Treating Patients With Cancer-Related Weight Loss and Lack of Appetite

You may be eligible if

• DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:
• Histologically or cytologically proven cancer other than brain, breast, ovarian, endometrial, or prostate cancer
• * Compelling clinical evidence of cancer is allowed when tissue sample is unobtainable
• Considered incurable with available therapies
• At least 5 pounds weight loss within the past 2 months (excluding perioperative weight loss) and/or have estimated caloric intake of less than 20 cal/kg daily
• Weight loss must be perceived as a problem by the patient
• Potential weight gain must be considered beneficial by the attending physician
• No history of primary brain cancer or brain metastases
• No clinical evidence of ascites
• PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:
• Age:
• 18 and over
• Performance status:
• ECOG 0-2
• Life expectancy:
• At least 3 months
• Cardiovascular:
• No poorly controlled congestive heart failure
• No poorly controlled hypertension
• No history of thromboembolic disease
• Other:
• Not pregnant or nursing
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception
• Alert and mentally competent
• Able to reliably take oral medication
• No known mechanical obstruction of the alimentary tract, malabsorption, or intractable vomiting (more than 5 episodes per week)
• No diabetes requiring insulin
• Diabetes requiring an oral hypoglycemic agent or diet control allowed
• PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:
• Chemotherapy:
• Concurrent chemotherapy allowed
• Endocrine therapy:
• At least 1 month since prior adrenal steroids, androgens, progestational agents, or appetite stimulants (e.g., dronabinol)
• No concurrent adrenal steroids, androgens, other progestational agents, or appetite stimulants (e.g., dronabinol)
• * Inhalant, topical, or optical steroids allowed
• * Short-term dexamethasone as an anti-emetic during chemotherapy allowed
• Radiotherapy:
• Concurrent radiotherapy allowed
• Other:
• No tube feedings or parenteral nutrition