Therapeutic potentials of melatonin in the treatment of lymphoma: A review of current evidence

Abstract

Hematological malignancies including leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma are known as leading causes of death around the world. Despite all developments in cancer management, current therapeutic methods are still relatively inefficient, leading to the heavy financial burdens for public health systems. Strategic attempts in clinical practice must be based on three serious goals including (1) increasing the efficacy of treatments and decreasing their side-effects; (2) decreasing financial price of treatments and related morbidity and mortality rates; and (3) improving life quality and survival of affected patients. Melatonin, a multipotential neurohormone mainly secreted by the pineal gland, has recently been shown to play essential roles in the treatment of various human diseases. Moreover, it possesses anticancer impacts and acts through regulation of underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. In this article, we review mechanistic roles and beneficial effects of melatonin against hematological cancers, especially lymphoma.

Therapeutic Potential of Melatonin Counteracting Chemotherapy-Induced Toxicity in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

“…Increasing evidence suggests that melatonin ( N -acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a cell protector endowed with systemic effects against many types of cancer [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ], including breast cancer [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. In this regard, melatonin possesses antioxidant properties, which may help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and other harmful substances that can contribute to cancer development [ 21 ].…”