Study record · Levocarnitine / L-carnitine
L-carnitine supplementation in advanced cancer with carnitine deficiency
The prespecified intent-to-treat analysis found no significant improvement in study endpoints despite increased serum carnitine.
Key result
The prespecified intent-to-treat analysis found no significant improvement in study endpoints despite increased serum carnitine.
Study details
Study designRandomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PopulationAdults with advanced cancer, carnitine deficiency and moderate-to-severe fatigue
Sample size29
RouteOral
Regimen / exposure0.5 g/day for 2 days, 1 g/day for 2 days, then 2 g/day for 10 days
Duration14-day blinded phase
ComparatorPlacebo
Primary endpoint / questionCancer-related fatigue and functional outcomes
Safety resultShort exposure; study primarily informs efficacy rather than long-term safety.
Key limitationsSmall sample; exploratory post-hoc analyses were positive but do not override the negative prespecified analysis.
Registry / identifierPMID 18809275