Predictors of long-term anamorelin hydrochloride use in patients with cancer cachexia: a single-center real-world retrospective study.

AIM: This retrospective study aimed to identify clinical factors associated with the long-term continuation of anamorelin hydrochloride in real-world clinical practice.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We analyzed 173 patients with lung, gastric, colorectal, or pancreatic cancer who received anamorelin hydrochloride between May 2021 and May 2025. Clinical variables potentially associated with long-term anamorelin continuation were extracted from medical records. Patients were categorized into three groups according to treatment duration: <3 weeks, 3 to <12 weeks, and ≥12 weeks. Univariate and multivariate ordered logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of continued anamorelin use.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis identified the Modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) (odds ratio [OR] = 0.659, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.472- 0.920; p = 0.014), gastric cancer (OR =0.333, 95% CI = 0.135- 0.821; P = 0.017), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) (OR =0.616, 95% CI = 0.448- 0.847; p = 0.003) as significant predictors.

CONCLUSION

Lower mGPS, and better ECOG PS were associated with longer continuation of anamorelin, whereas patients with gastric cancer showed a tendency toward shorter duration. These findings provide guidance for patient selection and tailored supportive care in clinical practice.