View source for Publication: L-Carnitine-supplementation in advanced pancreatic cancer (CARPAN) - a randomized multicentre trial

{{Publication
|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
|Authors Abstract=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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