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Melatonin and vitamin D as potential synergistic adjuvants for cancer therapy (Review).

International journal of oncology
December 1, 2024
Russel J Reiter et al. (7 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

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

Extracted Claims (8)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
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
Abstract

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.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansMelatoninVitamin DNeoplasmsDrug SynergismDietary SupplementsAntioxidantsAnimals
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy75/10
Quality80/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations5
Citations/Year5.0
Relative Citation Ratio2.34
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.75
Weight Score1.43
Normalized Score0.66
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