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NCT05705492 · OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Olanzapine for the Management of Cancer Associated Appetite Loss in Patients With Advanced Esophagogastric, Hepatopancreaticobiliary, Colorectal or Lung Cancer

What this study is about

This phase II trial tests how well olanzapine works in managing cancer cachexia in patients experiencing esophagogastric, hepatopancreaticobiliary, colorectal, or lung cancer that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced) or that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic) -associated appetite loss while receiving non-curative cancer therapy. Loss of appetite ("anorexia") in the setting of cancer is a key feature of "cachexia," a syndrome associated with loss of weight and muscle as well as weakness and fatigue. Olanzapine is a drug that targets key neurotransmitters (a type of molecule in the central nervous system that transmits messages to the rest of the body) that may stimulate appetite, restore caloric intake, minimize weight loss, and improve quality of life (QOL).

View original scientific description

This phase II trial tests how well olanzapine works in managing cancer cachexia in patients experiencing esophagogastric, hepatopancreaticobiliary, colorectal, or lung cancer that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced) or that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic) -associated appetite loss while receiving non-curative cancer therapy. Loss of appetite ("anorexia") in the setting of cancer is a key feature of "cachexia," a syndrome associated with loss of weight and muscle as well as weakness and fatigue. Olanzapine is a drug that targets key neurotransmitters (a type of molecule in the central nervous system that transmits messages to the rest of the body) that may stimulate appetite, restore caloric intake, minimize weight loss, and improve quality of life (QOL).

Who can participate

This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.

Inclusion criteria

  • Willingness to provide written informed consent
  • Individuals \>= 18 years of age
  • Histologically confirmed advanced local or metastatic esophogastric, hepatopancreaticobiliary, colorectal, or lung cancer diagnosis within 12 weeks of screening
  • Patients with weight loss as defined by international consensus criteria (documented or patient-reported):
  • ≥ 5% weight loss over the past 6 months
  • ≥ 2% weight loss with body mass index (BMI) \<20 kg/m\^2 or sarcopenia
  • Planned or ongoing first-line palliative antineoplastic therapy (cytotoxic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, combinations) with or without radiation therapy and have not started the second cycle of first-line palliative antineoplastic therapy. Patients may have received adjuvant antineoplastic therapy at least 6 months prior to screening
  • Able to ambulate independently with or without assistive devices (e.g., cane, walker)
  • In the case of brain metastases, the individual must be asymptomatic or previously treated with a full cycle of therapy with recovery from any acute effects of radiation therapy or surgery before screening. Such individuals must have discontinued corticosteroid treatment and be neurologically stable for at least 4 weeks before screening
  • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-2
  • Able and willing to discontinue the use of any drug or over-the-counter (OTC) product that may interact with the study drug (within a period sufficient for wash-out per the principal investigators \[PI's\] discretion) and thereafter while on the study
  • Willingness to comply with restrictions on chest/breastfeeding
  • Individuals capable of childbearing and contributing viable sperm must be willing to comply with contraception requirements and not donate ova or sperm while on the study and for 1 month after that
  • A negative pregnancy test at baseline (BL) must be obtained for individuals capable of childbearing

Exclusion criteria

  • Plan for, or history of (within 30 days of enrollment), the use of an antipsychotic drug, including, but not limited to, risperidone, quetiapine, clozapine, phenothiazine, or butyrophenone. This limitation does not include prochlorperazine and other phenothiazines as antiemetic therapy. The use of antipsychotics concurrent with protocol therapy will not be allowed
  • Current use of medications or supplements with the goal of enhancing appetite within ≥14 days, including:
  • megestrol acetate
  • cannabinoids (including, but not limited to dronabinol, medical cannabis, over the counter \[OTC\] cannabinoid products), and/or
  • Corticosteroids (defined as ≥ 5mg of prednisone \[or equivalent per day\]), except for standard-of-care chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting prophylaxis
  • Known history of poorly controlled diabetes, defined as fasting morning blood sugars ≥300 mg/dL or recent hemoglobin A1≥ 8. Individuals with diabetes will undergo hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) blood testing if they do not have HbA1c results 12 weeks prior to enrollment
  • Inadequate organ function, which may include, but is not limited to, the following laboratory results within 28 days before signing consent:
  • Total bilirubin ≥5x upper limit of normal (ULN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase \[SGOT\]) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase \[SPGT\]) ≥5X ULN (unless the participant has documented Gilbert's syndrome, hepatocellular carcinoma, or hepatic metastases)
  • Primary investigator (PI) discretion will determine continued eligibility after randomization occurs in the event the liver function test results are above the proposed ULN
  • Renal disease requiring dialysis or calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≤ 30 mL/minute/1.73 m\^2 as calculated by the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) equation
  • Tube feeding or parenteral nutrition at the time of screening
  • Any condition that may negatively impact oral absorption of the study drug (including, but not limited to dysphagia, mucositis, gastrectomy, colitis, bowel obstruction, high output ileostomy) or any plan to undergo an intervention that will render such a condition
  • Recurrent ascites unresponsive to medical interventions and requires therapeutic paracentesis
  • Uncontrolled symptoms at randomization make the individual unsuitable for the study in the judgment of the PI. If uncontrolled symptoms can be effectively palliated for ≥1 week prior, enrollment may be considered at the discretion of the PI
  • Uncontrolled infection, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), at time of randomization. Individuals with the uncontrolled infection will not be eligible as the symptomology of infection may obscure the outcomes of this study
  • Other medical or psychiatric condition, including recent (within 1 year) or active suicidal ideation/behavior or laboratory abnormality, may increase the risk of study participation or, in the PI's judgment, makes the participant inappropriate for the study

Where

  • Portland, Oregon

Frequently asked questions

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.

Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 21, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

📊
1 of 66 participants interested
2% interest

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A short prescreen based on this study's listed criteria. A coordinator confirms eligibility — this is not a medical assessment.

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Study locations

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RECRUITING

Portland

Oregon

Location available

Express your interest

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What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Advanced Malignant Solid Neoplasm Treatment Options in Portland, Oregon

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Local Sites
1 locations in Oregon
Now Enrolling
Up to 66 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

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Potential Benefits

  • Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • Study-related care provided at no cost
  • Contribute to medical research for Advanced Malignant Solid Neoplasm

What to Expect

  • Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • Possible compensation for time and travel
  • You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Advanced Malignant Solid Neoplasm Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT05705492. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.