Cancer cachexia: drugs in the patent literature

Abstract

Background: The therapeutic approach to the neoplastic patient with cachexia is very frustrating for the physician. Indeed, we can say that a cure for cancer cachexia does not exist. Numerous therapeutic strategies have been tested in the last few decades with discouraging or at least conflicting results. Methods: Drugs patented for the treatment of cancer cachexia are evaluated and discussed. Results: New drugs such as ghrelin splice variant, small-molecule melanocortin-4 receptor antagonists and selective androgen receptor modulators have been discovered, evaluated with promising results, and patented. It is expected that soon they will be tested in humans through adequate clinical trials in experimental studies. Other compounds such as retinoid X receptor agonists, the inhibitor of LPS-induced TNF-α factor (LIPAF) protein, novel inhibitors of TNF-α production or release and tumour cytotoxic factor II need to be tested first in experimental models of cancer cachexia. Conclusion: With the recent discovery of new, effective drugs, it seems that a new scenario is opening up in the therapy of cancer cachexia.