Melatonin therapy of advanced human malignant melanoma

Light During Darkness and Cancer: Relationships in Circadian Photoreception and Tumor Biology

“…One study showed that the addition of melatonin to the traditional pharmacologic management of metastatic breast cancer appeared to slow disease progression 21,25 . Consistent findings have been shown in other cancer types 21,[26][27] . Additionally, the oncostatic action of melatonin on human breast cancer has been linked to estrogen response 21,28 , with interactions occurring between melatonin and estradiol to influence breast cancer cell development 21,29 .…”

Melatonin in Cancer Management: Progress and Promise

“…Cancer Res 2006; 66: (20 effective protocol being a diurnal cycle similar to the physiologic rhythm of melatonin secretion (2). Studies have suggested that melatonin given to tumor-bearing animals in the late afternoon are more effective in suppressing tumorigenesis than morning melatonin administration, suggesting that tumors exhibit their own circadian rhythm of sensitivity (7).…”

“…It has been proposed that melatonin (synthesized locally or delivered topically) might counteract or buffer external (environmental) or internal stresses to preserve the biological integrity of the skin and to maintain its homeostasis (19). In one study conducted, four different doses (5-700 mg/m 2 /d) of melatonin were applied topically as a monotherapy in 40 patients with metastatic malignant melanoma for 5 weeks (20). A partial response was achieved in six patients; the disease was stabilized in six more patients and an overall response rate of 30% was achieved (20).…”

“…In one study conducted, four different doses (5-700 mg/m 2 /d) of melatonin were applied topically as a monotherapy in 40 patients with metastatic malignant melanoma for 5 weeks (20). A partial response was achieved in six patients; the disease was stabilized in six more patients and an overall response rate of 30% was achieved (20). Based on the data, the authors suggested that further studies of melatonin for melanoma are warranted (20).…”

The Effect of Melatonin on Plasma Oxidant-Antioxidant Skeletal Muscle Reperfusion Injury in Rats

“…In addition, in a study of 40 patients with advanced malignant melanoma treated with high doses of melatonin (up to 700 mg/day), six had transient decreases in the size of some tumour masses. 32 Exogenously administered melatonin at pharmacological doses has been found to be effective in the prevention of ischaemic injury and tissue damage. 11 -13 De La Lastra et al 33 suggested that when melatonin was administered at doses of 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg, the highest antioxidant effect was determined after the 20 mg/kg dose regimen.…”