Publication: L-Carnitine-supplementation in advanced pancreatic cancer (CARPAN) - a randomized multicentre trial
| Reference | |
|---|---|
| Title | L-Carnitine-supplementation in advanced pancreatic cancer (CARPAN) - a randomized multicentre trial |
| Topic | Carnitine |
| Author | Kraft, M, Kraft, K, Gärtner, S, Mayerle, J, Simon, P, Weber, E, Schütte, K, Stieler, J, Koula-Jenik, H, Holzhauer, P, Gröber, U, Engel, G, Müller, C, Feng, YS, Aghdassi, A, Nitsche, C, Malfertheiner, P, Patrzyk, M, Kohlmann, T, Lerch, MM |
| Year | 2012 |
| Journal | Deutsche Zeitschrift für Onkologie |
| DOI | http://www.nutritionj.com/content/11/1/52 |
Author's Abstract The abstract and the information and conclusions contained therein were written by the authors of the publication.
| Background
Cachexia, a >10% loss of body-weight, is one factor determining the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Deficiency of L-Carnitine has been proposed to cause cancer cachexia. Findings We screened 152 and enrolled 72 patients suffering from advanced pancreatic cancer in a prospective, multi-centre, placebo-controlled, randomized and double-blinded trial to receive oral L-Carnitine (4 g) or placebo for 12 weeks. At entry patients reported a mean weight loss of 12 ± 2,5 (SEM) kg. During treatment body-mass-index increased by 3,4 ± 1,4% under L-Carnitine and decreased (−1,5 ± 1,4%) in controls (p < 0,05). Moreover, nutritional status (body cell mass, body fat) and quality-of-life parameters improved under L-Carnitine. There was a trend towards an increased overall survival in the L-Carnitine group (median 519 ± 50 d versus 399 ± 43 d, not significant) and towards a reduced hospital-stay (36 ± 4d versus 41 ± 9d,n.s.). Conclusion While these data are preliminary and need confirmation they indicate that patients with pancreatic cancer may have a clinically relevant benefit from the inexpensive and well tolerated oral supplementation of L-Carnitine. |
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