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Melatonin in Cancer Management: Progress and Promise

¹ Department of Dermatology, ² Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, and ³ University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin

Requests for reprints: Nihal Ahmad, Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Medical Science Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706. Phone: 608-263-5359; Fax: 608-263-5223; E-mail: nahmad{at}wisc.edu.

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. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(20): 9789-93)