Impact of the Use of Nandrolone on the Treatment of Malnutrition Induced by Cancer

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Compare the use of nandrolone associated with corticosteroid for the treatment of cancer-induced malnutrition to treatment with corticosteroids alone in patients with tumors in the high gastro-intestinal tract, liver, pancreas and bile ducts in palliative treatment.

Detailed Description
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Compare muscle mass values obtained before and after the use of anabolic steroids upon assessment by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Compare the anabolic effect on quality of life (QLo) of the patient before and after the use of anabolic steroids. Compare data from laboratory tests such as complete blood count, albumin, C reactive protein and transferrin with drug intervention.

Official Title
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Impact of the Use of Nandrolone on the Treatment of Malnutrition Induced by Cancer

Conditions
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Cachexia; Cancer

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: Nandrolone Decanoate
* Drug: Dexamethasone


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Cancer patients above 18 years old. Patients with tumors in the high gastro-intestinal, hepatobiliary and pancreatic tracts in palliation. Patients able to undergo BIA. Malnourished patients as per the subjective global assessment produced by the patient (ASG-PPP) and whose score is greater than nine. Patients who agree to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with malignant tumors of other metachronous or synchronous location except nonmelanoma skin tumor Patients with chronic renal failure. Patients on diuretics, recent or chronic. Patients on appetite stimulants and anabolic agents. Patients using pacemakers, which can interfere with the results of BIA

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Randomization will be made at the time of study enrollment by , where patients randomly selected as even number will be included in group 1 and those selected as odd number in group 2Group 1 (G1): the patient will receive an application of anabolic nandrolone decanoate at a dose of 50 mg (males) and 25 mg (females), intra-muscular form, in the first and fifteenth days. In addition to the anabolic steroid, the patient will use corticosteroids (dexamethasone) at home at a dose of 4 mg daily for both sexes. Group 2 (G2): The patient will use corticosteroids (dexamethasone) at a dose of 4 mg daily.
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Group 1: nandrolone and corticosteroid<br>the patient will receive an application of anabolic nandrolone decanoate at a dose of 50 mg (males) and 25 mg (females), intra-muscular form, in the first and fifteenth days. In addition to the anabolic steroid, the patient will use corticosteroids (dexamethasone) at home at a dose of 4 mg daily by mouth on the morning for both sexes for 30 days. | Drug: Nandrolone Decanoate<br>* Drug administration<br>* Other names: Dexamethasone;|
| Active Comparator: Group 2: corticosteroid<br>Patient will take corticosteroids ( 4 mg of dexamethasone) per oral, QD at morning for 30 days | Drug: Dexamethasone<br>* Drug administration<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Compare the use of nandrolone associated with corticosteroid for the treatment of cancer-induced malnutrition to treatment with corticosteroids alone in cancer patients | Evaluate the BMI ( body mass index)- the weight in kilograms and the height in centimeters and BMI in Kg/ m2. | After 30 days, the values will be compared to those obtained on the first consultant. | 
| Compare the use of nandrolone associated with corticosteroid for the treatment of cancer-induced malnutrition to treatment with corticosteroids alone in cancer patients by bioimpedance analysis ( BIA) | Evaluate the BIA (biometrical impedance analysis)trough the reactance and resistance in ohms and the phase angle in degree. | After 30 days, the values will be compared to those obtained on the first consultant. | 
| ompare the use of nandrolone associated with corticosteroid for the treatment of cancer-induced malnutrition to treatment with corticosteroids alone in cancer patients trough quality of life assessment | Evaluate quality of life by European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnare Core 30 ( QLQ-C30), version 3.0 . The values are expressed as a percentage | After 30 days, the values will be compared to those obtained on the first consultant. | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Compare data from laboratory tests: complete blood count, albumin, C reactive protein and transferrin with drug intervention. | The complete blood count will be expressed in millions by cubic milimiter( millions/mm3) , albumin in grams per deciliter (g/dL), C reactive protein in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), transferrin in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) | After 30 days, the laboratory test will be collect again and the values will be compared to those obtained on the first consultant. |