Baseline patient characteristics
| Placebo group (n = 24) | Thalidomide group (n = 23) | |
|---|---|---|
| Values are mean (SEM). | ||
| MAC, mean arm circumference; Hb, haemoglobin; Alb, albumin; ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate. | ||
| *EORTC QLQ-C30, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. High score represents high level of functioning (range 0–100). | ||
| There were no significant differences between the two groups. | ||
| Sex (M:F) | 13:11 | 12:11 |
| Age (y) | 71(1.7) | 69 (1.3) |
| Premorbid weight (kg) | 73.0 (2.3) | 77.1 (3.3) |
| Baseline weight (kg) | 63.3 (2.2) | 67.4 (2.7) |
| %Weight loss at baseline | 13.2 (1.4) | 12.2 (1.3) |
| Baseline MAC (mm) | 27.1 (0.9) | 27.6 (1.0) |
| Baseline Hb (g/dl) | 12.1 (0.4) | 12.4 (0.3) |
| Baseline Alb (g/dl) | 35.0 (1.0) | 37.1 (0.9) |
| Baseline ESR (mm/h) | 62.0 (7.9) (n = 22) | 54.7 (6.7) (n = 20) |
| Baseline C reactive protein (mg/l) | 21.5 (4.8) | 30.0 (9.5) (n = 22) |
| EORTC QLQ-C30 global health score* | 50 (4.6) | 56 (4.7) |
| EORTC QLQ-C30 physical functioning* | 72 (5.1) | 75 (5.1) |