Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, according to Medline Plus. Although exposure to airborne pollutants and asbestos are risk factors for lung cancer, it is primarily caused by cigarette smoking. Also known as bronchogenic carcinoma, lung cancer is commonly treated with surgery to remove cancerous tissue, chemotherapy or radiation. Melatonin is sometimes incorporated into cancer treatment programs and may help to reduce treatment-related side effects. Consult your oncologist before taking melatonin supplements for lung cancer.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, a pea-sized structure found at the front of the brain. Melatonin regulates the body's circadian rhythm, also known as the sleep-wake cycle. Synthetic melatonin is available over-the-counter in capsules from pharmacies and is primarily used to treat jet lag and insomnia. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, notes, however, that it might also help to improve quality of life and survival time in cancer patients. It might also help to reduce chemotherapy-associated side effects.
Research
The results of a study published in the August 2003 issue of the "Journal of Pineal Research" show that five-year survival rates were significantly higher in lung cancer patients treated with melatonin alongside chemotherapeutic agents, compared to those treated with chemotherapeutic agents alone. Specifically, the researchers found that while no patient treated with chemotherapy alone was alive after two years, 6 percent of patients treated with chemotherapy and melatonin were alive after five years. The study also found that patients who took melatonin were better able to tolerate chemotherapy.
Administration
Melatonin is available from pharmacies in capsules or tablets. A daily dose of 20 mg was used alongside chemotherapy in a clinical study of lung cancer patients, but get advice from your oncologist before using as the required dosage may vary from person to person. Don't incorporate melatonin into your treatment plan without first gaining medical approval.
Safety Considerations
Melatonin supplements might cause side effects including drowsiness, an increased heart rate, abdominal cramps and headache. You might also experience vivid dreams and a decreased libido. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns that it might also increase symptoms of depression. Get medical clearance before using melatonin supplements alongside any other medicines you might be using as it may interfere with how they work. For example, melatonin can make anti-hypertensive drugs and antidepressants less effective.
References
- MedlinePlus: Lung Cancer
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Melatonin
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Melatonin
- "Journal of Pineal Research"; Five Years Survival in Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Chemotherapy Alone or Chemotherapy and Melatonin: A Randomized Trial; P. Lissoni, et al.; August 2003
