Fall 2000 ~ Newsletter

Cystic Fibrosis and Education

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Research Update: Megace Study

By: Chris Makris, MD

As many of you know, we have been conducting a study at UAB examining the effects of Megace (Megestrol Acetate) on appetite and weight gain in Cystic Fibrosis.  We are pleased to report that we have concluded the “data gathering” phase of the study and have now entered into the “analysis” phase of the study.  To my knowledge this is the only study using Megace in Cystic Fibrosis to be conducted.  We have seventeen subjects currently enrolled in the study, fourteen of which completed the entire study.  We have found that Megace increases appetite and produces a significant increase in weight gain and percent ideal body weight.  The Megace group gained on average twelve pounds over the course of six months, where as the control group gained just over four pounds.  Most of the weight gain was an increase in fat, although some of the weight gain was an increase in muscle mass.  Megace did not increase linear growth that had been a problem in the prednisone study that was done by the CFF a couple of years ago.

During this study, Megace was associated with a complication known as adrenal suppression.  This did not produce symptoms in any of the subjects in this study and resolved once patients were weaned off of Megace.  There have been some concerns about the development of diabetes in patients with CF who take Megace, however none of the patients in our study presented with this complication.  All of the subjects in this study that received Megace reported that they were happy with the overall results and would take Megace again if recommended by their physician.

 In summary, Megace produces a significant increase in appetite and an increase in body weight.  Further work needs to be done to determine if use of Megace improves long-term weight gain, and helps improve or maintain pulmonary functions and is safe for prolonged use.

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