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Use of Levocarnitine for Asparaginase Hepatoxicity for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients

UCI Specialty Area: Cancer
Principal Investigator: Deepa Jeyakumar
Official Title: Use of Levocarnitine for Asparaginase Hepatoxicity for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients
A Study On:
Lymphoid Leukemia

Study Description

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer seen in pediatric oncology. The necessary chemotherapy for pediatric and adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with ALL includes steroids, anthracyclines, asparaginase, and vincristine. One of the most hepatotoxic chemotherapy agents is asparaginase, with treatment-associated hepatotoxicity (TAH) observed in up to 60% of patients. The frequency of TAH is increased in overweight or obese patients of Latino heritage. Carnitine is a naturally-derived compound that is produced in the liver and kidneys; it is found in certain foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, and some dairy products. Endogenous carnitine transports long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are oxidized to produce energy, and acts as scavengers of oxygen free radicals. Thus, carnitine can reduce oxidative stress and modulate inflammatory response. Levocarnitine is a supplement form of carnitine used typically in the care and management of patients with carnitine deficiency. Pediatric and AYAs with ALL will be given oral levocarnitine as a supplement during their initial phases of treatment, when the most hepatotoxic agents are administered, to determine if the incidence of liver toxicity can be reduced or eliminated.

Eligibility

if you are between the ages 5 to < 30 years at time of diagnosis with ALL

You cannot participate in this study if you are a female who is pregnant or breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant

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Lead Researcher
Maheswari Senthil, MD
UCI Center for Clinical Research

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