Emerging Drugs The reported clinical trials on emerging drugs are generally small. Larger, randomized studies are necessary to assess the efficacy of these drugs in the treatment of cancer cachexia. Melatonin Melatonin is the pineal hormone that is able to decrease the level of circulating TNF-a in patients with advanced cancer. In a recent controlled trial of 100 patients with metastatic solid tumors, loss of more than 10 percent body weight was less common among those treated with melatonin (20 mg daily) than among patients in the placebo group.128 Addition of melatonin to the chemotherapy regimen of cisplatin plus etoposide improved the response rate and survival rate, and reduced myelosuppression, neuropathy, and cachexia among lung cancer patients in poor clinical condition.129 (CA Cancer J Clin 2002;52:72-91.) Applicable References: 128. Lissoni P, Paolorossi F, Tancini G, et al. Is there a role for melatonin in the treatment of neoplastic cachexia? Eur J Cancer 1996;32:1340-1343. 129. Lissoni P, Paolorossi F, Ardizzoia A, et al. A randomized study of chemotherapy with cisplatin plus etoposide versus chemoendocrine therapy with cisplatin, etoposide and the pineal hormone melatonin as a first-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients in a poor clinical state. J Pineal Res 1997;23:15-19. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.