A prospective, randomized controlled trial of megestrol acetate among high-risk patients with resected malignant melanoma

E. T. Creagan, J. N. Ingle, A. J. Schutt, D. J. Schaid

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

In light of some evidence that hormonal factors may impact on malignant melanoma, we performed a randomized trial of megestrol acetate versus observation among 67 patients with high-risk resected stage I or stage II (nodal) malignant melanoma. Following stratification by relevant prognostic factors, we observed a statistical significance in survival advantage for megestrol acetate that approaches 7.6 versus 2.6 years, median survival; two-sided log rank p = 0.06. Disease-free survival was also greater for patients who received this hormonal therapy (3.5 versus 1.1 years, median disease-free survival), but the difference was not statistically significant (two-sided log rank p = 0.20). The most noteworthy side effects were weight gain (median 6-month gain of 8.2 kg) and impotence. Fully recognizing the hazards of limited sample analyses and the need for confirmatory trials, our findings suggest a possible role for megestrol acetate as adjuvant therapy for selected patients with malignant melanoma.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)152-155
Number of pages4
JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Oncology: Cancer Clinical Trials
Volume12
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1989

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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