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Endocrine and immune effects of melatonin therapy in metastatic cancer patients
P Lissoni1, S Barni, S Crispino
1Divisione di Radioterapia Oncologica, Ospedale San Gerardo, Milano, Italy.
Abstract:
Melatonin, the most important indole hormone produced by the pineal gland, appears to inhibit tumor growth; moreover, altered melatonin secretion has been reported in cancer patients. Despite these data, the possible use of melatonin in human neoplasms remains to be established. The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the therapeutic, immunological and endocrine effects of melatonin in patients with metastatic solid tumor, who did not respond to standard therapies. The study was carried out on 14 cancer patients (colon, six; lung, three; pancreas, two; liver, two; stomach, one). Melatonin was given intramuscularly at a daily dose of 20 mg at 3.00 p.m., followed by a maintenance period in an oral dose of 10 mg daily in patients who had a remission, stable disease or an improvement in PS. Before and after the first 2 months of therapy, GH, somatomedin-C, beta-endorphin, melatonin blood levels and lymphocyte subpopulations were evaluated. A partial response was achieved in one case with cancer of the pancreas, with a duration of 18+ months; moreover, six patients had stable disease, while the other eight progressed. An evident improvement in PS was obtained in 8/14 patients. In patients who did not progress, T4/T8 mean ratio was significantly higher after than before melatonin therapy, while it decreased in patients who progressed. On the contrary, hormonal levels were not affected by melatonin administration. This study would suggest that melatonin may be of value in untreatable metastatic cancer patients, particularly in improving their PS and quality of life; moreover, based on its effects on the immune system, melatonin could be tested in association with other antitumor treatments.
Insights
Melatonin may improve quality of life and immune response in metastatic cancer patients. This study suggests potential benefits for patients with advanced cancers unresponsive to standard treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Melatonin, a pineal gland hormone, shows potential anti-tumor properties.
- Altered melatonin levels are observed in cancer patients, but its therapeutic role is unestablished.
- This study investigates melatonin's effects in metastatic solid tumors resistant to conventional therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic, immunological, and endocrine effects of melatonin.
- To assess melatonin's impact on performance status (PS) and immune cell populations.
- To explore melatonin's potential in treating advanced cancers.
Main Methods:
- A clinical trial involving 14 patients with metastatic solid tumors (colon, lung, pancreas, liver, stomach).
- Melatonin administered intramuscularly (20 mg daily) then orally (10 mg daily) for maintenance.
- Evaluated hormone levels (GH, somatomedin-C, beta-endorphin), melatonin blood levels, and lymphocyte subpopulations before and after treatment.
Main Results:
- One partial response (pancreatic cancer) lasting over 18 months; six patients achieved stable disease.
- Eight out of 14 patients showed evident improvement in performance status (PS).
- T4/T8 lymphocyte ratio increased in non-progressing patients, indicating a potential immune modulation by melatonin. Hormonal levels remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin may benefit patients with untreatable metastatic cancer, particularly in improving PS and quality of life.
- Melatonin's immunomodulatory effects suggest its potential use in combination with other anti-cancer treatments.
- Further research is warranted to establish melatonin's role in cancer therapy.