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Carnitine Supplementation for Cancer-Related Fatigue
Untitled Document
Name of the Trial
Phase III Randomized Study of Levocarnitine (L-carnitine) for the Management of Fatigue in Cancer Patients
(ECOG-4Z02). See the protocol
summary.
Principal Investigators
Dr. Ricardo Cruciani and Dr. Russell Portenoy of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group.
Why This Trial Is Important
Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of
cancer and cancer treatment. For many people with cancer, fatigue may become a critical issue in their lives, affecting
their ability to work, to socialize, to relate to family and friends, and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Despite its
prevalence, however, there is no standard of
care for the treatment of fatigue in cancer patients.
Low levels of the nutrient carnitine may
contribute to feelings of fatigue in cancer patients. Carnitine plays an important role in cellular energy production by
helping in the metabolism of fatty acids, which represent a major fuel source for tissues such as the heart and skeletal
muscle. Levocarnitine (L-carnitine) is a nutritional supplement that may help alleviate fatigue by increasing the level
of carnitine in the body. In this trial, researchers will assess the prevalence of carnitine deficiencies in cancer
patients and examine the effect of carnitine supplementation in patients experiencing moderate to severe fatigue.
Patients will be randomly assigned to receive levocarnitine or a placebo.
"Fatigue is a major complaint of many cancer patients, but it is one of the least studied complications of cancer and
cancer treatment," said Dr. Cruciani. "With this trial, we hope to learn better how to improve the quality of life and well being of cancer patients."
Contact Information
This trial is no longer accepting new patients. To locate other supportive care clinical trials, search the NCI database of clinical trials or call the NCI's Cancer Information Service at
1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237). The call is toll-free and completely confidential.
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