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