Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Treating Patients With Advanced Cancer Who Have Significant Weight Loss
Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma and Plasma Cell Neoplasm
About this trial
This is an interventional supportive care trial for Leukemia
Eligibility Criteria
DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically proven advanced cancer not amenable to curative therapy (solid tumors and hematologic malignancies eligible except primary and metastatic brain tumors) Cachexia (weight loss at least 2 percent within a one month period) PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance Status: CALBG 0-2 Life Expectancy: At least 2 months Hematopoietic: Granulocytes greater than 1,000/mm3 Platelet count greater than 75,000/mm3 Hemoglobin greater than 8 mg/dL Hepatic: AST less than 3 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Alkaline phosphatase less than 3 times ULN Bilirubin less than 1.5 times ULN Renal: BUN less than 1.5 times ULN Creatinine less than 1.5 times ULN Cardiovascular: No congestive heart failure requiring diuretics within less than 6 months No uncontrolled or severe cardiovascular disease within less than 6 months No myocardial infarction within less than 6 months Other: Not pregnant nor contemplating pregnancy during study Negative pregnancy test No uncontrolled hypercalcemia No metabolic disorders (hyperthyroidism) No poorly controlled diabetes No peripheral edema or ascites requiring diuretics No enteric fistulas, with tracheobronchial fistulas or with aspiration No esophageal or bowel obstruction that would preclude eating Free T4 within normal range No serious medical illness No psychosis No uncontrolled bacterial, viral, or fungal infections No active uncontrolled duodenal ulcers Above laboratory values required unless bone marrow, liver, kidney, or splenic involvement by tumor is documented PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: Prior and concurrent chemotherapy allowed Endocrine therapy: No concurrent steroids such as dronabinol or megestrol acetate (except for adrenal failure) Radiotherapy: No prior or concurrent radiotherapy to abdomen or pelvis Surgery: Greater than 3 weeks since major surgery Greater than 1 week since minor surgery Other: No concurrent diuretics
Sites / Locations
- CCOP - Christiana Care Health Services
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at The University of Iowa
- North Shore University Hospital
- New York Presbyterian Hospital - Cornell Campus
- CCOP - Southeast Cancer Control Consortium
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Experimental
Omega-3 fatty acid
Patients receive omega-3 fatty acids orally in two equal doses with/after breakfast and lunch for 4 months or until weight loss is observed. Dose is escalated in cohorts of two patients, although dose escalation is allowed in individual patients. Patients are evaluated for cachexia response every 2 weeks, and tumor response every 4 weeks for a maximum of 4 months. If no response of cachexia or tumor after a 2 month period, patients will be discontinued from study. Patients will be followed for survival post-treatment.