Evaluation of the Cardioprotective Effect of L-carnitine and Silymarin in Patients Receiving Anthracycline Chemotherapy

Cardioprotection of Silymarin for Patients Received Anthracycline Chemotherapy

the study aim to protect patients received anthracyclines containing chemotherapy from cardiotoxcity induced by anthracyclines derivatives. by using L-carnitine and Silymarin for protection the heart from anthracyclines toxicities, and in addition its a comparitive study between L-carnitine and Silymarin.

Aim: Anthracycline induced cardiotoxicity is the most common constrains of its use in treatment of various types of cancer. This study aimed to investigate benefits from adding L-carnitine and Silymarin compared to anthracycline chemotherapy alone in patients with cancer.

Methods: 83 patients were recruited from Clinical Oncology Department, Tanta University, Egypt, then prospectively randomized to receive their anthracycline containing therapeutic regimen, control group (n=33) or anthracycline plus L-carnitine, L-carnitine group (n=25), or anthracycline plus Silymarin, Silymarin group (n= 25). Blood samples were collected at begging and after 6 months to measure LDH, CK-MB, cTn I, Anticardiolipin IgG, Fe, ferritin and TIBC and % of saturation. % EF was documented. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and paired t test. P <0.05 was statistically significant.

Inclusion Criteria:

• cancer patients receiving anthracycline chemotherapy in their protocol alone (without any cardioprotective agent),
• aged 20-60 and
• female patients were included.

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients with a history of heart failure, arrhythmia, history of cardiac catheterizations or, history of angina, uncontrolled hypertension and uncontrolled diabetes,
• patients with impaired liver function tests,
• previous anthracycline-containing regimens and any cardiotoxic chemotherapy regimens,
• previous history of chest wall irradiation.
• Brain metastasis,
• pregnant patients and
• patients who refused informed consent,