<b>Poor Performance Status Contributes to Anamorelin Discontinuation in Patients with Cancer Cachexia: Impact of Combination of Anamorelin and Rehabilitation on Functional and Nutritional Outcomes</b>.xlsx

Cancer cachexia is a debilitating syndrome characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass. It results in functional impairment and poor prognosis. Anamorelin has been approved for the treatment of cancer cachexia in Japan. However, the factors related to its discontinuation among patients and the effects of combined anamorelin therapy and rehabilitation remain underexplored. This retrospective study aimed to identify the factors associated with anamorelin discontinuation and assess the changes in nutritional status and motor function in patients receiving anamorelin and outpatient rehabilitation. Our findings suggested that a poor performance status was a significant predictor of anamorelin discontinuation within 12 weeks. Patients who continued anamorelin therapy demonstrated significant improvements in body weight, skeletal muscle mass, appetite, and handgrip strength. Notably, we recommend the early initiation of anamorelin before decline in the performance status. Combining anamorelin with outpatient rehabilitation may improve motor function in patients with cancer cachexia. However, further research is warranted to confirm our findings and explore optimal treatment strategies.