Ability of L-carnitine to Prevent Heart Damage in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Anthracycline Chemotherapy
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2011-10-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Breast cancer is very common and afflicts 1 in 9 North American women. The treatment of
breast cancer often requires the use of chemotherapy including "anthracyclines".
Anthracyclines can damage the heart resulting in heart failure and even death. Clinicians and
researchers are continually seeking methods that will reduce the toxic effects of
anthracycline treatment.
L-carnitine is a substance that is produced naturally in the body and is required for normal
heart function. Animal studies have suggested that L-carnitine protects the heart from the
effects of anthracyclines, however this has not been verified in humans.
This study will assess the potential role of L-carnitine in the prevention of anthracycline
induced heart damage. The investigators will enroll 144 patients into this study. Patients
will be randomly assigned to L-carnitine therapy or to standard care (no L-carnitine
therapy). Patients in the L-carnitine group will receive oral and intravenous L-carnitine
prior to and after their anthracycline therapy. Patients will undergo regular follow up and
testing to assess heart function. The investigators believe that patients treated with
L-carnitine will benefit and have fewer complications associated with anthracycline
treatment.