Mirtazapine Boosts Energy Intake in Patients with Cancer-related Anorexia: JAMA

While there was no significant difference in appetite scores between the Mirtazapine and placebo groups, the outcomes revealed a concerning energy intake. After 4 weeks, the Mirtazapine group exhibited a substantial increase in energy consumption, including proteins, carbohydrates and fats. The intake of fats were particularly higher in patients on Mirtazapine.

The Mirtazapine-treated patients experienced a significant reduction in the proportion of individuals with sarcopenia at the 8-week mark. The addition of Mirtazapine to the treatment regimen showed its potential to help patients meet their energy requirements and enhance health-related quality of life.

Despite the patients on Mirtazapine reported a higher perception of nightmares at the 2-week mark, this effect was found to be nonsignificant after 4 and 8 weeks. The participants in the Mirtazapine group tolerated the treatment well. The findings of this trial suggest that Mirtazapine could play a pivotal role in improving the overall well-being of patients with advanced NSCLC and anorexia. 

Reference:

Arrieta, O., Cárdenas-Fernández, D., Rodriguez-Mayoral, O., Gutierrez-Torres, S., Castañares, D., Flores-Estrada, D., Reyes, E., López, D., Barragán, P., Soberanis Pina, P., Cardona, A. F., & Turcott, J. G. (2024). Mirtazapine as Appetite Stimulant in Patients With Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer and Anorexia. In JAMA Oncology. American Medical Association (AMA). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.5232