Creatine in Treating Patients With Cancer-Associated Weight Loss

Inclusion Criteria

• •DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:
• •Histologically or cytologically confirmed cancer other than primary brain cancer
• •* Considered incurable with available therapies
• •History of weight loss ≥ 5 lbs in 2 months or fewer AND/OR estimated intake of \< 20 cal/kg daily
• •Determination by attending physician that weight gain would benefit patient
• •Perception by patient that weight loss is a problem
• •No symptomatic or untreated brain metastases
• •No clinical evidence of ascites
• •PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:
• •Age
• •18 and over
• •Performance status
• •ECOG 0-2
• •Life expectancy
• •At least 3 months
• •Renal
• •Creatinine normal
• •Cardiovascular
• •No poorly controlled congestive heart failure
• •No poorly controlled hypertension
• •Other
• •Able to reliably receive oral medication
• •Must be alert and mentally competent
• •No known obstruction of the alimentary tract, malabsorption, or intractable vomiting
• •No diabetes that is controlled by insulin
• •Not pregnant or nursing
• •Negative pregnancy test
• •Fertile patients must use effective contraception
• •PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:
• •Chemotherapy
• •Concurrent chemotherapy allowed
• •Endocrine therapy
• •No other concurrent adrenal corticosteroids, androgens, or progestational agents within 30 days after study entry
• •Concurrent short-term dexamethasone for chemotherapy-associated emesis is allowed
• •Concurrent inhalant, topical, or optical steroids allowed
• •Radiotherapy
• •No concurrent radiotherapy to the bowel or stomach
• •Other concurrent radiotherapy allowed
• •Other
• •No prior creatine use
• •No concurrent tube feedings or parenteral nutrition