Nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulator Ostarine in cancer cachexia

Future Oncol. 2009 Oct;5(8):1211-20. doi: 10.2217/fon.09.106.

Abstract

Cancer cachexia is a complex syndrome, affecting up to 60% of the approximately 1.4 million patients diagnosed with cancer each year in the USA. This condition is characterized by progressive deterioration of a patient's nutritional status, weight loss, anorexia, diminished quality of life and increased mortality and morbidity. Current therapy with progestational, anti-inflammatory and anabolic agents is often ineffective and has a large number of undesirable effects. The newly developed nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulator Ostarine has demonstrated promising results in Phase I and II clinical trials, increasing total lean body mass, enhancing functional performance and decreasing total tissue percent fat. This selective androgen receptor modulator may have the ability to perform as a potent anabolic agent with minimal side effects on other organs (prostate and hair follicles), thus presenting a new strategy in managing cancer cachexia. However, more extensive data is required before its efficacy is confirmed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amides / pharmacology*
  • Anilides
  • Cachexia / drug therapy*
  • Cachexia / etiology*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / complications*
  • Receptors, Androgen / drug effects*

Substances

  • Amides
  • Anilides
  • Receptors, Androgen
  • ostarine
  • propionamide