What is the first-line treatment for severe cancer anorexia?

The first-line treatment for severe cancer anorexia is the use of progestins. These hormones are commonly prescribed to stimulate appetite and can lead to weight gain in patients suffering from cachexia associated with cancer. Progestins, like megestrol acetate, have been shown to have a supportive role in managing anorexia by acting on various pathways to enhance appetite and improve the quality of life for cancer patients.

Progestins are generally favored because they can offer benefits without the psychoactive side effects that could accompany other classes of medications. This treatment targets the underlying issue of anorexia related to cancer without introducing the complexities or potential adverse effects associated with aggressive treatments like chemotherapy, which is primarily intended to treat the cancer itself rather than manage anorexia.

While antidepressants and antipsychotics might help in certain situations related to mood or psychological states that can accompany cancer, they are not specifically indicated as first-line treatments for cancer-related anorexia.