Abstract
Megestrol acetate is one of the pharmacological agents used for cancer-associated
fatigue. To date, there are no studies on its use in the treatment of post-COVID-19
(coronavirus disease 2019) fatigue. So, we report a case of metastatic carcinoma lung
with a partial response with three cycles of palliative chemotherapy. He was contracted
with mild COVID-19 infection post three cycles of his chemotherapy. Post this episode,
fatigue was his main and most troublesome symptom. After a thorough clinical history,
physical examination, and investigations, type 2 post-COVID-19 syndrome was diagnosed.
After explaining the risks and benefits, we started the patient on low-dose megestrol
acetate (160 mg/d per oral) with low to moderate benefits. However, upon increasing
the dose to 480 mg/d, the benefit on the subjective quality of life was significant.
Studies with a larger sample and randomized controlled trials have to be conducted
to substantiate the hypothesis and actual effect of megestrol acetate in the treatment
of post-COVID-19 fatigue.
Keywords
post COVID-19 syndrome - advanced cancer - fatigue - megestrol acetate
