Melatonin as a potential anticarcinogen for non-small-cell lung cancer.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to review melatonin's anticancer effects, particularly its oncostatic mechanisms and potential synergy with radio- or chemotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Results Summary
The study found melatonin exhibits pleiotropic anticancer effects in NSCLC, including anti-proliferation, apoptosis induction, metastasis inhibition, and immunomodulation. It also suggests melatonin may enhance the efficacy of conventional NSCLC therapies.
Population
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and preclinical models.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
melatonin | decrease | a variety of cancer types | - | - | exerts pleiotropic anticancer effects | #1 |
melatonin | decrease | NSCLC | - | - | may be an important anticancer drug | #2 |
melatonin | decrease | lung carcinogenesis | - | - | inhibiting | #3 |
melatonin | decrease | - | - | - | anti-proliferation | #4 |
melatonin | increase | - | - | - | induction of apoptosis | #5 |
melatonin | decrease | - | - | - | inhibition of invasion and metastasis | #6 |
melatonin | increase | - | - | - | enhancement of immunomodulation | #7 |
melatonin | increase | NSCLC | - | - | drug synergy | #8 |
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of death from cancer worldwide. Melatonin, an indoleamine discovered in the pineal gland, exerts pleiotropic anticancer effects against a variety of cancer types. In particular, melatonin may be an important anticancer drug in the treatment of NSCLC. Herein, we review the correlation between the disruption of the melatonin rhythm and NSCLC incidence; we also evaluate the evidence related to the effects of melatonin in inhibiting lung carcinogenesis. Special focus is placed on the oncostatic effects of melatonin, including anti-proliferation, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of invasion and metastasis, and enhancement of immunomodulation. We suggest the drug synergy of melatonin with radio- or chemotherapy for NSCLC could prove to be useful. Taken together, the information complied herein may serve as a comprehensive reference for the anticancer mechanisms of melatonin against NSCLC, and may be helpful for the design of future experimental research and for advancing melatonin as a therapeutic agent for NSCLC.