Randomised, double blind control trial of megestrol acetate, dexamethasone and placebo in the management of anorexia in people with cancer

Data set includes: - One hundred and ninety participants were included in intention-to-treat analysis (61 receiving megestrol acetate, 67 receiving dexamethasone, and 62 receiving placebo) The treatment period was for four weeks whilst outpatient, with an optional extension for a further 4 weeks (still blinded), with four weeks of follow-up post treatment. Data available for Patient demographic information, medical history data, concurrent medications and baseline clinical measures. Primary outcome data measured as a change in appetite score on a Numeric Rating Scale for appetite at 1 week, at baseline and at one week after intervention commencement. Other data includes: Patient weight and rate of weight change (measured by Body Mass Index) At baseline and at one week after intervention commencement; Short and intermediate adverse effect profiles of megestrol acetate and dexamethasone using the National Institutes of Health Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event Assessment V3.0. At baseline and four weeks after intervention commencement; Relative costs of treatment of dexamethasone and megestrol acetate using Medicare Data 4 weeks after treatment commencement; Quality of life (measured by the European organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer- Quality of Life Questionnaire- core questions and the Functional assessment of appetite in cancer therapy) at baseline and 1 week after treatment commencement; Functional status (measured by the Australian Modified Karnofsky Performance Status, and the Eastern Co-operative Oncology Group scales) at baseline and 1 week after treatment commencement