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

Hematopoietic:

• Not specified

Hepatic:

• Not specified

Renal:

• Not specified

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:

Biologic therapy:

• Not specified

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

Surgery:

• Not specified

Other:

• No tube feedings or parenteral nutrition