Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Advanced nonhormone responsive malignancy (metastatic or
incurable) Nonvolitional weight loss of between 6-9% of usual body weight over past 6
months OR Decrease of 5 pounds in the past 2 months or less (not greater than 10% loss of
usual body weight) No clinical or radiologic evidence of ascites or pleural effusion No
lytic bone metastases

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Over 18 Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: At
least 4 months Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Not specified
Cardiovascular: No venous thrombosis No congestive heart failure Other: Able to
participate in exercise program for 1 hour, 3 times/week No physical handicap that
precludes aerobic or resistance exercise No clinical abnormality that renders exercise a
risk At least 1 month since strength training of 3 hours or more per week No physical or
functional obstruction to food intake No uncontrolled emesis greater than 5 episodes/week
No diarrhea greater than 4 stools/day intractable to antidiarrheal medication No IV
hyperalimentation No contraindications to megestrol No dementia or mental incompetence No
known AIDS Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: Not specified
Endocrine therapy: No concurrent adrenal steroids (other than for replacement), anabolics,
appetite stimulants, or progestational agents Intermittent corticosteroids as antiemetic
or premedication for cancer treatment allowed At least 6 weeks since prior megestrol
Radiotherapy: Not specified Surgery: Not specified