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Melatonin: from basic research to cancer treatment clinics
Vijayalaxmi1, Charles R Thomas, Russel J Reiter
1Departments of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA. vijay@uthscsa.edu
Summary
Melatonin, a pineal gland hormone, acts as an antioxidant and immunomodulator. Studies show it protects cells from radiation and chemotherapy, offering potential benefits for cancer treatment with favorable efficacy and toxicity ratios.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Melatonin is a key hormone produced by the pineal gland.
- It possesses direct free radical scavenging and indirect antioxidant properties.
- Melatonin also functions as an immunomodulatory agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review laboratory evidence on melatonin's antioxidant and oncostatic effects.
- To summarize clinical findings on melatonin's potential in cancer treatment.
- To provide a rationale for future translational cancer research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of in vitro and in vivo studies.
- Analysis of clinical trial data on melatonin's efficacy and toxicity.
- Synthesis of evidence for melatonin's role in cancer therapy.
Main Results:
- Melatonin demonstrated protective effects against radiation- and chemotherapy-induced cellular toxicity.
- Clinical studies suggest melatonin, alone or combined, offers a good efficacy-to-toxicity ratio in cancer treatment.
- Documented antioxidant and oncostatic actions support melatonin's therapeutic potential.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin exhibits significant antioxidant and oncostatic properties.
- Evidence supports its potential as an adjunct or standalone therapy in oncology.
- Further translational research and clinical trials are warranted to fully establish its role in cancer treatment.