Melatonin and vitamin D as potential synergistic adjuvants for cancer therapy (Review).
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to explore the potential of combining melatonin and vitamin D as synergistic adjuvants for cancer therapy, focusing on their anticancer, immune-boosting, and radioprotective properties.
Results Summary
The study found that melatonin and vitamin D supplementation may address antioxidant imbalances in certain cancers, inhibit tumor growth, improve survival, and enhance quality of life. Their radioprotective properties could also reduce radiotherapy side effects while improving effectiveness.
Population
Patients with lip, oral, pharyngeal, breast, head and neck, brain, and osteosarcoma cancers.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
melatonin and vitamin D supplementation | decrease | antioxidant imbalances | lip, oral and pharyngeal cancers | - | may address antioxidant imbalances | #1 |
melatonin and vitamin D | decrease | tumor growth | patients with cancer | - | indicate potential for tumor growth inhibition | #2 |
melatonin and vitamin D | increase | survival | patients with cancer | - | indicate potential for improved survival | #3 |
melatonin and vitamin D | increase | quality of life | patients with cancer | - | indicate potential for a better quality of life | #4 |
melatonin and vitamin D | increase | radiotherapy effectiveness | - | - | potentially enhancing radiotherapy effectiveness | #5 |
melatonin and vitamin D | decrease | side effects | - | - | reducing side effects | #6 |
melatonin | increase | immune system | patients with cancer | - | may indirectly benefit | #7 |
vitamin D and melatonin supplementation | decrease | side‑effects from cancer treatments | - | - | highlights the importance | #8 |
Significant advancements have been made in cancer therapy; however, limitations remain with some conventional approaches. Adjuvants are agents used alongside primary treatments to enhance their efficacy and the treatment outcomes of patients. Modern lifestyles contribute to deficiencies in melatonin and vitamin D. Limited sun exposure affects vitamin D synthesis, and artificial light at night suppresses melatonin production. Both melatonin and vitamin D possess anti‑inflammatory, immune‑boosting and anticancer properties, rendering them potential adjuvants of interest. Studies suggest melatonin and vitamin D supplementation may address antioxidant imbalances in lip, oral and pharyngeal cancers. Moreover, promising results from breast, head and neck, brain, and osteosarcoma research indicate potential for tumor growth inhibition, improved survival, and a better quality of life of patients with cancer. The radioprotective properties of melatonin and vitamin D are another exciting area of exploration, potentially enhancing radiotherapy effectiveness while reducing side effects. For its part, the sleep‑promoting effects of melatonin may indirectly benefit patients with cancer by influencing the immune system. Thus, the prevalence of vitamin D and melatonin deficiencies highlights the importance of supplementation, as lower levels can worsen side‑effects from cancer treatments. The present review explores the potential of combining melatonin and vitamin D as synergistic adjuvants for cancer therapy. These agents have shown promise individually in cancer prevention and treatment, and their combined effects warrant investigation. Therefore, large‑scale controlled trials are crucial to definitively determine the optimal dosage, safety and efficacy of this combination in improving the lives of patients with cancer.