TDNet Discover

Cachexia is a common illness found in chronically ill patients, especially those with cancer. The lack of strength and functional reserve found in cachexic patients leads to greatly increased morbidity and mortality. Currently, there are no established treatment guidelines to address this illness. This study examined current literature regarding the use of selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) drugs on cachexia in patients with chronic disease. Three independent researchers conducted a systematic review of the literature by utilizing the databases PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar to find all relevant research that was pertinent to the research question. The researchers performed independent and duplicate title, abstract, and full-text reviews against inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. Final studies were assessed for quality and a data extraction tool was utilized for a qualitative synthesis to increase internal validity. The search and review process resulted in three studies. The three final studies in this systematic review consist of two systematic reviews on cancer patients with cachexia and one clinical trial in patients with COPD. These studies collectively indicate that SARMs, specifically Enobosarm at dosages of 1 mg, 2 mg, or 3 mg, is a potentially useful agent in helping patients with cachexia due to cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to achieve increases in lean body mass and leg strength. Presently, there are ongoing clinical trials regarding the side effects and longterm efficacy of SARMS in the treatment of cachexia. Studies investigating the long-term effects, efficacy, and duration of therapy coupled with the ongoing clinical trials and previous research could bring forward insights for recommendations in a clinical setting and achieve FDA approval.