Melatonin 4 Cancer

Melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland, has shown promising potential in cancer prevention and treatment. Extensive research has revealed its multifaceted role in inhibiting cancer at various stages, from initiation to progression and metastasis.

Anticancer Mechanisms of Melatonin

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Melatonin acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reducing oxidative stress, which is a known contributor to cancer development[1]. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by modulating the expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines[1].

Regulation of Cell Cycle and Apoptosis

Melatonin influences cancer cell proliferation by:

  • Inhibiting cell cycle progression

  • Inducing apoptosis in various cancer cell lines

  • Modulating the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes[1][2]

Epigenetic Modulation

Recent studies have shown that melatonin can alter DNA methylation patterns in cancer cells, potentially reversing aberrant epigenetic changes associated with tumor development[1].

Angiogenesis Inhibition

Melatonin has been found to suppress the formation of new blood vessels in tumors, thereby limiting their growth and metastatic potential[3].

Effects on Specific Cancer Types

Breast Cancer

Melatonin has shown particular promise in hormone-dependent cancers like breast cancer. It:

  • Down-regulates estrogen receptor expression

  • Inhibits aromatase activity, reducing local estrogen production

  • Enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy[2][5]

Prostate Cancer

Studies have demonstrated melatonin's ability to slow prostate cancer growth, primarily through interactions with the MT1 receptor[3].

Colorectal Cancer

Melatonin has been shown to induce apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells and may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy[3].

Other Cancers

Research has also shown potential benefits of melatonin in lung, ovarian, pancreatic, and brain cancers, among others[3][4].

Clinical Applications

Combination Therapy

Melatonin has been used in combination with conventional cancer treatments to:

  • Enhance treatment efficacy

  • Reduce side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy

  • Improve overall quality of life for cancer patients[4][5]

Dosage and Administration

While optimal dosages are still being researched, most studies have used doses ranging from 10-40 mg per day, typically administered in the evening to mimic natural melatonin rhythms[5].

Future Perspectives

Despite promising results, more large-scale clinical trials are needed to fully establish melatonin's role in cancer treatment. Researchers are exploring:

  • Optimal dosing strategies

  • Potential synergies with other treatments

  • Long-term effects of melatonin supplementation

In conclusion, melatonin shows significant potential as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatment. Its low toxicity profile and wide-ranging effects make it an attractive option for further research and clinical application. However, patients should always consult with their healthcare providers before incorporating melatonin into their treatment regimen.

Citations:

[1] https://cmbl.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s11658-022-00375-z

[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4233441/

[3] https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/18/4/843

[4] https://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/32/7/2747

[5] https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-cancer/is-melatonin-safe-for-breast-cancer-patients

[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8998229/

[7] https://www.dovepress.com/role-and-therapeutic-potential-of-melatonin-in-various-type-of-cancers-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-OTT

Davoodvandi A, Nikfar B, Reiter RJ, et al. Melatonin and cancer suppression: insights into its effects on DNA methylation. Cell. Mol. Biol. Lett. 2022;27(1):73.

Zamfir Chiru AA, Popescu CR, Gheorghe DC. Melatonin and cancer. J Med Life. 2014 Sep 15;7(3):373-4. Epub 2014 Sep 25. PMID: 25408757; PMCID: PMC4233441.


Reiter RJ, Rosales-Corral SA, Tan D-X, et al. Melatonin, a Full Service Anti-Cancer Agent: Inhibition of Initiation, Progression and Metastasis. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017;18(4):843.


Yang A, Peng F, Zhu L, et al. Melatonin inhibits triple-negative breast cancer progression through the Lnc049808-FUNDC1 pathway. Cell Death Dis. 2021;12(8):712.

Reiter RJ, Sharma R, Ma Q, et al. Melatonin inhibits Warburg-dependent cancer by redirecting glucose oxidation to the mitochondria: a mechanistic hypothesis. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 2020;77(13):2527–2542.

Reiter RJ, Sharma R, Rosales-Corral S. Anti-Warburg Effect of Melatonin: A Proposed Mechanism to Explain its Inhibition of Multiple Diseases. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021;22(2):764.