Published research on Melatonin

4 peer-reviewed publications on Melatonin in oncology research, clinical work first, then laboratory studies. Each entry reports what the authors stated; follow the link for the full paper.

This page is a reading list of peer-reviewed publications, compiled for information. It is not a statement of indications, a recommendation or medical advice. Results from cell and animal studies do not translate into clinical use. Medsuvac products are supplied for their registered purposes; clinical decisions belong to a qualified physician.

Clinical trial
Five years survival in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy and melatonin: a randomized trial

Lissoni P et al., Journal of Pineal Research, 2003

In 100 randomised metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients, overall tumour regression rate and 5-year survival were reported as higher with cisplatin-etoposide plus melatonin than with chemotherapy alone (3 of 49 versus 0 patients alive at 5 years), with better chemotherapy tolerance in the melatonin group.
Clinical trial
Decreased toxicity and increased efficacy of cancer chemotherapy using the pineal hormone melatonin in metastatic solid tumour patients with poor clinical status

Lissoni P et al., European Journal of Cancer, 1999

In 250 randomised metastatic solid tumour patients with poor clinical status, concomitant melatonin was associated with a higher objective tumour response rate (42/124 versus 19/126) and 1-year survival (63/124 versus 29/126) than chemotherapy alone, and with less thrombocytopenia, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, stomatitis and asthenia.
Meta-analysis
The efficacy and safety of melatonin in concurrent chemotherapy or radiotherapy for solid tumors: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Wang YM et al., Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology, 2012

Pooling 8 randomised trials (n = 761) in solid tumours, adjuvant melatonin was associated with higher complete plus partial remission (RR 1.95) and 1-year survival (RR 1.90) and lower rates of thrombocytopenia, neurotoxicity and fatigue, with no severe adverse events reported.
Meta-analysis
Melatonin as adjuvant cancer care with and without chemotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

Seely D et al., Integrative Cancer Therapies, 2012

Across 21 randomised trials in solid tumours, the pooled relative risk for 1-year mortality with adjuvant melatonin was 0.63, with improved complete response, partial response and stable disease and reduced asthenia, leucopenia, nausea and vomiting, hypotension and thrombocytopenia.

Melatonin in the catalog (specifications, pack sizes, Certificate of Analysis)