L-carnitine to protect kidneys from cisplatin damage

Clinical Study to Evaluate the Possible Protective Effect of L-Carnitine Against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity

Phase 2 Interventional Tanta University · NCT07108777

This trial will test if L-carnitine can help protect the kidneys of adults receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment46 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorTanta University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Shibīn al Kawm)
Trial IDNCT07108777 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This Phase 2 interventional trial gives adult patients L-carnitine tartrate or a placebo alongside planned cisplatin-based chemotherapy and tracks kidney function over at least three cycles. Participants must have adequate baseline renal function and no prior platinum therapy. The rationale is that L-carnitine's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects reduced cisplatin kidney injury in animal models. Kidney function and signs of nephrotoxicity will be monitored to compare outcomes between the L-carnitine and placebo groups.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–75 with newly diagnosed cancer who are scheduled to receive at least three cycles of cisplatin-based chemotherapy and who have creatinine clearance above 50 mL/min/1.73 m² and no prior renal disease or prior platinum therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with existing renal disease, prior treatment with platinum drugs, inability to receive cisplatin, pregnancy/lactation, or active severe infection are unlikely to benefit or be eligible for this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, L-carnitine could reduce cisplatin-related kidney damage and help patients complete planned chemotherapy with fewer interruptions or dose reductions.

How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown that L-carnitine can ameliorate cisplatin-induced renal damage, but clinical evidence in humans remains limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female patients.
* Newly diagnosed patients with cancer and with an indication for cisplatin - based chemotherapy.
* Age between 18 and 75 years.
* No serious cardiopulmonary comorbidity which could impair involvement in the study.
* Creatinine clearance value above 50 mL/min/1.73 m².
* Patients who will scheduled to receive at least 3 cycles of cisplatin.
* Patients with no previous renal diseases (including acute nephropathy, acute and chronic renal failure).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy or lactation.
* Metastasis to the central nervous system.
* Psychiatric disorders.
* Prior treatment with platinum derivatives.
* Hypersensitivity to cisplatin, carboplatin or other platinum derivatives.
* Patients with active infection or any symptoms of sepsis.
* Acute renal failure or renal surgery within the last 3 months.
* Patients unfit for cisplatin (patients with impaired renal function, sensorineural hearing loss and cardiomyopathy).
* Patients with known history or current treatment with nephrotoxic agents.
* Taking other antioxidant supplements such as Vitamins C and E.

Where this trial is running

Shibīn al Kawm

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Nephrotoxicity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.