Comparison of Megestrol and/or Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Enriched Nutritional Supplement in Treating Patients With Cancer-Related Weight Loss and Lack of Appetite

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically proven cancer other than brain, breast, ovarian, endometrial, or prostate cancer Compelling clinical evidence of cancer is allowed when tissue sample is unobtainable Considered incurable with available therapies At least 5 pounds weight loss within the past 2 months (excluding perioperative weight loss) and/or have estimated caloric intake of less than 20 cal/kg daily Weight loss must be perceived as a problem by the patient Potential weight gain must be considered beneficial by the attending physician No history of primary brain cancer or brain metastases No clinical evidence of ascites PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 3 months Cardiovascular: No poorly controlled congestive heart failure No poorly controlled hypertension No history of thromboembolic disease Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception Alert and mentally competent Able to reliably take oral medication No known mechanical obstruction of the alimentary tract, malabsorption, or intractable vomiting (more than 5 episodes per week) No diabetes requiring insulin Diabetes requiring an oral hypoglycemic agent or diet control allowed PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Chemotherapy: Concurrent chemotherapy allowed Endocrine therapy: At least 1 month since prior adrenal steroids, androgens, progestational agents, or appetite stimulants (e.g., dronabinol) No concurrent adrenal steroids, androgens, other progestational agents, or appetite stimulants (e.g., dronabinol) Inhalant, topical, or optical steroids allowed Short-term dexamethasone as an anti-emetic during chemotherapy allowed Radiotherapy: Concurrent radiotherapy allowed Other: No tube feedings or parenteral nutrition