Efficacy of Ponsegromab in Managing Cachexia in Cancer Patients
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 24th, 2025
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Cachexia is a common issue faced by cancer patients, with few approved treatment options available. Recent guidelines suggest the use of olanzapine to improve appetite, though there is limited evidence to support this recommendation. Short-term use of progesterone analogs and glucocorticoids can also be beneficial, but they come with side effects. Recent studies have shown that the GDF-15 protein plays a role in the development of cachexia through its interaction with GFRAL receptors in the hindbrain. Ponsegromab is a novel antibody that inhibits this interaction, and Pfizer sponsored a study to explore its potential use in managing cachexia.
The phase 2 clinical trial included 187 participants with an average age of 67 years, diagnosed with either non–small-cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, or colorectal cancer, all experiencing cachexia. About three-fourths of the cohort were in stage IV cancer, and 47% had experienced a more than 10% reduction in body weight over the past 6 months. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or ponsegromab, administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks at three different doses (100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg). After 3 rounds of treatment, the researchers found that ponsegromab helped participants gain weight, with those in the 400 mg dose group experiencing a 2.81 kg greater increase in body weight compared to those receiving the placebo. Subgroup analysis based on cancer type revealed that the 400 mg dose was most beneficial for patients with colorectal cancer, while showing an insignificant effect for those with non–small-cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. Additionally, nausea and vomiting were less frequently reported in patients treated with ponsegromab. The researchers concluded that a larger trial population and longer follow-up period are needed for further investigation.
The phase 2 clinical trial included 187 participants with an average age of 67 years, diagnosed with either non–small-cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, or colorectal cancer, all experiencing cachexia. About three-fourths of the cohort were in stage IV cancer, and 47% had experienced a more than 10% reduction in body weight over the past 6 months. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or ponsegromab, administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks at three different doses (100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg). After 3 rounds of treatment, the researchers found that ponsegromab helped participants gain weight, with those in the 400 mg dose group experiencing a 2.81 kg greater increase in body weight compared to those receiving the placebo. Subgroup analysis based on cancer type revealed that the 400 mg dose was most beneficial for patients with colorectal cancer, while showing an insignificant effect for those with non–small-cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. Additionally, nausea and vomiting were less frequently reported in patients treated with ponsegromab. The researchers concluded that a larger trial population and longer follow-up period are needed for further investigation.