Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
Department of Structural and Functional Biology, UNESP, São Paulo State University, Institute of Bio‑sciences, Botucatu, São Paulo, CEP 18618‑689, Brazil.
Int J Oncol. 2024 Dec;65(6). doi: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5702. Epub 2024 Oct 25.
Significant advancements have been made in cancer therapy; however, limitations remain with some conventional approaches. Adjuvants are agents used alongside primary treatments to enhance their efficacy and the treatment outcomes of patients. Modern lifestyles contribute to deficiencies in melatonin and vitamin D. Limited sun exposure affects vitamin D synthesis, and artificial light at night suppresses melatonin production. Both melatonin and vitamin D possess anti‑inflammatory, immune‑boosting and anticancer properties, rendering them potential adjuvants of interest. Studies suggest melatonin and vitamin D supplementation may address antioxidant imbalances in lip, oral and pharyngeal cancers. Moreover, promising results from breast, head and neck, brain, and osteosarcoma research indicate potential for tumor growth inhibition, improved survival, and a better quality of life of patients with cancer. The radioprotective properties of melatonin and vitamin D are another exciting area of exploration, potentially enhancing radiotherapy effectiveness while reducing side effects. For its part, the sleep‑promoting effects of melatonin may indirectly benefit patients with cancer by influencing the immune system. Thus, the prevalence of vitamin D and melatonin deficiencies highlights the importance of supplementation, as lower levels can worsen side‑effects from cancer treatments. The present review explores the potential of combining melatonin and vitamin D as synergistic adjuvants for cancer therapy. These agents have shown promise individually in cancer prevention and treatment, and their combined effects warrant investigation. Therefore, large‑scale controlled trials are crucial to definitively determine the optimal dosage, safety and efficacy of this combination in improving the lives of patients with cancer.
在癌症治疗方面已经取得了重大进展；然而，一些传统方法仍存在局限性。佐剂是与主要治疗方法一起使用的药物，以提高其疗效和患者的治疗效果。现代生活方式导致褪黑素和维生素 D 缺乏。有限的阳光暴露会影响维生素 D 的合成，而夜间的人工光会抑制褪黑素的产生。褪黑素和维生素 D 都具有抗炎、增强免疫力和抗癌特性，因此它们是潜在的有吸引力的佐剂。研究表明，褪黑素和维生素 D 补充剂可能会解决唇、口腔和咽癌中的抗氧化剂失衡问题。此外，来自乳腺癌、头颈部癌、脑癌和骨肉瘤研究的有希望的结果表明，它们具有抑制肿瘤生长、提高生存率和改善癌症患者生活质量的潜力。褪黑素和维生素 D 的放射防护特性是另一个令人兴奋的探索领域，可能会提高放射治疗的效果，同时减少副作用。就其本身而言，褪黑素的促进睡眠作用可能会通过影响免疫系统间接使癌症患者受益。因此，维生素 D 和褪黑素缺乏症的流行强调了补充的重要性，因为较低的水平会使癌症治疗的副作用恶化。本综述探讨了将褪黑素和维生素 D 联合作为癌症治疗协同佐剂的潜力。这些药物在单独用于癌症预防和治疗方面已显示出前景，它们的联合作用值得进一步研究。因此，大规模对照试验对于确定这种联合治疗在改善癌症患者生活方面的最佳剂量、安全性和疗效至关重要。
