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A randomized study with the pineal hormone melatonin versus supportive care alone in patients with brain metastases
P Lissoni1, S Barni, A Ardizzoia
1Division of Radiotherapy, San Gerardo Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Background:
Unresectable brain metastases remain an untreatable disease. Because of its antitumor cytostatic action and its anticonvulsant effect, the pineal hormone melatonin could constitute a new effective agent in the treatment of brain metastases. The current study was performed to evaluate the effect of melatonin on the survival time in patients with brain metastases due to solid neoplasms.
Methods:
The study included 50 patients, who were randomized to be treated with supportive care alone (steroids plus anticonvulsant agents) or with supportive care plus melatonin (20 mg/day at 8:00 p.m. orally).
Results:
The survival at 1 year, free-from-brain-progression period, and mean survival time were significantly higher in patients treated with melatonin than in those who received the supportive care alone. Conversely, steroid-induced metabolic and infective complications were significantly more frequent in patients treated with supportive care alone than in those concomitantly treated with melatonin.
Conclusions:
The pineal hormone melatonin may be able to improve the survival time and the quality of life in patients with brain metastases due to solid tumors.
Insights
Melatonin significantly improved survival and reduced complications in patients with brain metastases. This pineal hormone offers a promising new avenue for treating these challenging tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Unresectable brain metastases represent a significant clinical challenge with limited treatment options.
- Melatonin, a pineal hormone, exhibits potential antitumor and anticonvulsant properties.
- Investigating melatonin's efficacy in brain metastases treatment is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of melatonin on survival time in patients with brain metastases.
- To assess melatonin's role in managing brain metastases from solid neoplasms.
Main Methods:
- A randomized study involving 50 patients with brain metastases.
- Patients received either supportive care alone or supportive care plus melatonin (20 mg/day).
Main Results:
- Melatonin treatment led to significantly higher 1-year survival, progression-free survival, and mean survival time.
- Patients receiving melatonin experienced fewer steroid-induced metabolic and infective complications.
- Supportive care alone was associated with more frequent complications.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin may enhance survival outcomes for patients with brain metastases.
- The pineal hormone melatonin shows potential for improving quality of life in these patients.
- Melatonin represents a potential therapeutic agent for brain metastases.