Analysis of whether Anamorelin accelerates the spread of cancer cells

Anamorelin (Anamorelin) is a growth hormone secretory receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a) agonist. It acts on the appetite center of the brain by activating this receptor, thereby promoting appetite and improving cachexia symptoms caused by cancer, such as loss of appetite and weight loss. Cachexia symptoms are common symptoms in patients with advanced cancer and are often accompanied by weight loss, muscle atrophy, fatigue and other symptoms, seriously affecting the patient's quality of life. Anamorelin is used to treat cachexia caused by cancers including non-small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, etc., especially when the patient's nutritional therapy is not effective.

Although anamorelin has certain efficacy in alleviating cachexia symptoms in cancer patients, one of the biggest concerns among patients and doctors is whether it will accelerate the spread of cancer cells or affect the progression of cancer. At this point, existing research has found no evidence that anamorelin directly promotes the spread of cancer cells or accelerates cancer progression. Anamorelin's mechanism of action mainly focuses on improving appetite and promoting weight gain through activating Ghrelin receptors, thereby alleviating the wasting symptoms caused by cancer.

Some studies have shown that anamorelin may have a positive impact on weight gain, improved appetite, and overall nutritional status in some cancer patients, particularly in those with persistent weight loss due to loss of appetite. Anamorelin may help maintain nutritional balance and slow the progression of cachexia symptoms. Cachexia itself is not directly related to the spread of cancer cells, but is a systemic metabolic disorder caused by cancer. By improving appetite and nutritional intake, anamorelin's main purpose is to improve the patient's quality of life and reduce weakness and other related symptoms caused by weight loss.

However, although anamorelin itself is not thought to promote cancer progression, it is necessary to closely monitor a patient's condition during treatment. The treatment of cancer is multi-faceted. Anamorelin is only used as an auxiliary treatment drug, aiming to improve the patient's physical status and appetite. It cannot replace the main treatment methods of cancer, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc. Therefore, when using anamorelin, patients should do it under the supervision of a doctor to ensure that the effect of its treatment does not conflict with other treatments.

Reference materials:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4677053/