title: Melatonin uses in oncology: breast cancer prevention and reduction of the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The possible oncostatic properties of melatonin on different types of neoplasias have been studied especially in hormone-dependent adenocarcinomas. Despite the promising results of these experimental investigations, the use of melatonin in breast cancer treatment in humans is still uncommon.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article reviews the usefulness of this indoleamine for specific aspects of breast cancer management, particularly in reference to melatonin's antiestrogenic and antioxidant properties: i) treatments oriented to breast cancer prevention, especially when the risk factors are obesity, steroid hormone treatment or chronodisruption by exposure to light at night (LAN); ii) treatment of the side effects associated with chemo- or radiotherapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The clinical utility of melatonin depends on the appropriate identification of its actions. Because of its SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulators) and SEEM (selective estrogen enzyme modulators) properties, and its virtual absence of contraindications, melatonin could be an excellent adjuvant with the drugs currently used for breast cancer prevention (antiestrogens and antiaromatases). The antioxidant actions also make melatonin a suitable treatment to reduce oxidative stress associated with chemotherapy, especially with anthracyclines, and radiotherapy.
authors.affiliation: University of Cantabria, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, 39011 Santander, Spain. barcelo@unican.es
authors.forename: Emilio J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Sanchez-Barcelo
authors.forename: Maria D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Mediavilla
authors.forename: Carolina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Alonso-Gonzalez
authors.forename: Russel J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Reiter
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008550:Melatonin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D008550:Melatonin