Chemotherapy and Natural Interventions

Mills, E. et al conducted a meta-analysis of 10 randomized, controlled trials with 643 patients examined melatonin’s effects (alone or as an adjuvant treatment) on patients with various types of cancer who had solid tumors. Supplementation with melatonin reduced the relative risk of death at one year by 34%—regardless of the type of cancer or the melatonin dosage. No adverse effects were reported. (5)

Studies of melatonin suggest that melatonin could improve tumor response to chemotherapy and lower the frequency and severity of chemotherapyrelated side effects (asthenia, thrombocytopenia, stomatitis, cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity). Two separate studies that included (1) 1440 patients with advance solid tumors receiving supportive care or supportive care plus melatonin (20 mg/day taken at night) and (2) 200 patients with chemo-resistant tumors receiving chemotherapy or chemotherapy plus melatonin (20 mg/day taken at night) were analyzed. Results show significantly lower frequency of cancer related weight loss, lower loss of strength/energy, less thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and lower rates of lymphocytopenia (low white blood cell count) in patients treated with melatonin than in those who received supportive care alone. (6)