Comparison of Megestrol and/or Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Enriched Nutritional Supplement in Treating Patients With Cancer-Related Weight Loss and Lack of Appetite

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

* Histologically or cytologically proven cancer other than brain, breast, ovarian, endometrial, or prostate cancer

  * Compelling clinical evidence of cancer is allowed when tissue sample is unobtainable
* Considered incurable with available therapies
* At least 5 pounds weight loss within the past 2 months (excluding perioperative weight loss) and/or have estimated caloric intake of less than 20 cal/kg daily
* Weight loss must be perceived as a problem by the patient
* Potential weight gain must be considered beneficial by the attending physician
* No history of primary brain cancer or brain metastases
* No clinical evidence of ascites

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

* 18 and over

Performance status:

* ECOG 0-2

Life expectancy:

* At least 3 months

Cardiovascular:

* No poorly controlled congestive heart failure
* No poorly controlled hypertension
* No history of thromboembolic disease

Other:

* Not pregnant or nursing
* Fertile patients must use effective contraception
* Alert and mentally competent
* Able to reliably take oral medication
* No known mechanical obstruction of the alimentary tract, malabsorption, or intractable vomiting (more than 5 episodes per week)
* No diabetes requiring insulin
* Diabetes requiring an oral hypoglycemic agent or diet control allowed

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Chemotherapy:

* Concurrent chemotherapy allowed

Endocrine therapy:

* At least 1 month since prior adrenal steroids, androgens, progestational agents, or appetite stimulants (e.g., dronabinol)
* No concurrent adrenal steroids, androgens, other progestational agents, or appetite stimulants (e.g., dronabinol)

  * Inhalant, topical, or optical steroids allowed
  * Short-term dexamethasone as an anti-emetic during chemotherapy allowed

Radiotherapy:

* Concurrent radiotherapy allowed

Other:

* No tube feedings or parenteral nutrition