Melatonin

Melatonin exists as a naturally occurring hormone, which is suspected to have a role in supporting chemoradiation therapies in targeting solid tumor activity and for reducing treatment-related symptoms. Early evidence suggest that melatonin may increase survival time when given concurrently with chemotherapy, as well as demonstrate improved quality of life. However, these studies do not show definitive clinical evidence of its benefits. Please review the following sources with your healthcare provider to determine if adding melatonin will be beneficial for your individual cause. 

Sources

• Cerea G, Vaghi M, Ardizzoia A, et al.: Biomodulation of cancer chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer: a randomized study of weekly low-dose irinotecan alone versus irinotecan plus the oncostatic pineal hormone melatonin in metastatic colorectal cancer patients progressing on 5-fluorouracil-containing combinations. Anticancer Res 23 (2C): 1951-4, 2003 Mar-Apr. 
• Lissoni P, Barni S, Mandalà M, et al.: Decreased toxicity and increased efficacy of cancer chemotherapy using the pineal hormone melatonin in metastatic solid tumour patients with poor clinical status. Eur J Cancer 35 (12): 1688-92, 1999.
• Lissoni P, Chilelli M, Villa S, et al.: Five years survival in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy and melatonin: a randomized trial. J Pineal Res 35 (1): 12-5, 2003.
• Lissoni P, Meregalli S, Nosetto L, et al.: Increased survival time in brain glioblastomas by a radioneuroendocrine strategy with radiotherapy plus melatonin compared to radiotherapy alone. Oncology 53 (1): 43-6, 1996 Jan-Feb.
• Lissoni P, Paolorossi F, Ardizzoia A, et al.: A randomized study of chemotherapy with cisplatin plus etoposide versus chemoendocrine therapy with cisplatin, etoposide and the pineal hormone melatonin as a first-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients in a poor clinical state. J Pineal Res 23 (1): 15-9, 1997.
• Lissoni P, Paolorossi F, Tancini G, et al.: A phase II study of tamoxifen plus melatonin in metastatic solid tumour patients. Br J Cancer 74 (9): 1466-8, 1996. 
• Sookprasert A, Johns NP, Phunmanee A, et al.: Melatonin in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Anticancer Res 34 (12): 7327-37, 2014.
• Lissoni P, Tancini G, Barni S, et al.: Treatment of cancer chemotherapy-induced toxicity with the pineal hormone melatonin. Support Care Cancer 5 (2): 126-9, 1997.
• Del Fabbro E, Dev R, Hui D, et al.: Effects of melatonin on appetite and other symptoms in patients with advanced cancer and cachexia: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Oncol 31 (10): 1271-6, 2013.