title: Melatonin in cancer management: progress and promise.
abstract: Physiologic and pharmacologic concentrations of the pineal hormone melatonin have shown chemopreventive, oncostatic, and tumor inhibitory effects in a variety of in vitro and in vivo experimental models of neoplasia. Multiple mechanisms have been suggested for the biological effects of melatonin. Not only does melatonin seem to control development alone but also has the potential to increase the efficacy and decrease the side effects of chemotherapy when used in adjuvant settings. This review critically evaluates progress in the ability of melatonin to prevent or reverse cancer development and progression. We also discuss future prospects of the possible development of melatonin as a chemopreventive agent.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
authors.forename: Brittney
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Nihal
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ahmad
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008550:Melatonin / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D008550:Melatonin