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Role of melatonin in cancer treatment

Antonio Cutando1, Antonio López-Valverde, Salvador Arias-Santiago

  • 1Department of Special Care in Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain. acutando@ugr.es

Anticancer Research
|July 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Melatonin, a molecule involved in aging and circadian rhythms, may help combat cancer. Studies show melatonin inhibits tumor growth and improves cancer treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Chronobiology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Melatonin is a pleiotropic molecule with well-characterized synthesis and circadian regulation in the pineal gland.
  • Melatonin influences cellular physiology and molecular biology through diverse mechanisms.
  • Age-related decline in melatonin production is linked to immunosenescence and increased cancer risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of melatonin in aging, age-related diseases, and cancer.
  • To review the therapeutic potential of melatonin in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on melatonin synthesis, circadian rhythms, aging, and cancer.
  • Analysis of in vitro and in vivo data on melatonin's effect on tumor growth.
  • Examination of clinical trial data on melatonin's use in cancer patients.

Main Results:

  • Melatonin production declines with age, potentially contributing to immunosenescence and neoplastic diseases.
  • Melatonin demonstrates inhibitory effects on various tumor types under experimental conditions.
  • Clinical studies suggest melatonin administration improves tumor regression, survival rates, and chemotherapy tolerance in cancer patients.

Conclusions:

  • Melatonin plays a significant role in aging and age-related diseases, including cancer.
  • Melatonin shows promise as an adjunct therapy for cancer, enhancing treatment efficacy and patient tolerance.
  • Further research into melatonin's multifaceted roles is warranted for therapeutic applications.

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