Description Module
The Description Module contains narrative descriptions of the clinical trial, including a brief summary and detailed description. These descriptions provide important information about the study's purpose, methodology, and key details in language accessible to both researchers and the general public.
Description Module path is as follows:
Study -> Protocol Section -> Description Module
Description Module
Ignite Creation Date:
2025-12-24 @ 12:58 PM
Ignite Modification Date:
2025-12-24 @ 12:58 PM
NCT ID:
NCT00933361
Brief Summary:
Cachexia, a condition of severe malnutrition, negative nitrogen balance, muscle wasting, weight loss, and anorexia, is a frequent affecting more than 80% of patients in advanced cancer disease causing a high burden on patients and their families. Nutritional, pharmacological, and behavioural interventions for cancer-related ACS and associated symptoms have, despite the importance for cancer care, limited effect on only a minority of patients. New strategies are required.
Ghrelin, a 28 amino acid peptide discovered in 1999, is predominantly secreted by gastric endocrine cells and is an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) receptor. When administered peripherally it stimulates growth hormone secretion, food intake, triggers a positive energy balance, produces weight gain through a central mechanism involving hypothalamic neuropeptides and has anti-inflammatory effects. A recently completed trial on intravenous ghrelin in advanced cancer patients with ACS reports good tolerability and safety of single intravenous application of 2 and 8μg/kg Ghrelin.
Given the facts that ACS is a major burden in patients suffering advanced cancer disease and ghrelin is a major signal for stimulating food intake, promoting positive energy balance and weight gain and may have anti-inflammatory effect it remains to be determined whether the administration of ghrelin will have a positive clinical effect on cancer anorexia/ cachexia syndrome ACS. The next logical clinical development step is a proper dose-finding study of twice daily subcutaneous administration and proof-of-concept of main outcomes.
Study:
NCT00933361
Study Brief:
Protocol Section:
NCT00933361