Effects
of Melatonin Administration in Advanced Breast Cancer Patients
-- Preliminary Report
by
Michal Karasek, Krzysztof Kuzdak, Jacek Cywinski, Krystyna Zylinska,
Anna Smialowska & Anna Pluzanska
Abstract:
Effects
of melatonin treatment was studied in six advanced breast cancer
patients (mean age 61.2 years, range 43-74) with numerous distant
metastases. In five patients recurrent disease was observed
2-5 years after mastectomy with adjuvant chemo/hormonotherapy
and radiotherapy. In one patient metastatic disease was confirmed
as first observation. Melatonin was administered orally in the
late afternoon (18:00-19:00 h) in a dose of 10 mg/day, for 7-72
weeks. An improvement in performance status was observed in
five of six studied patients. In three patients stabilization
of disease for 3 to 5 months was observed during melatonin treatment.
The results of the present study suggest that, although melatonin
can not be recommended as oncostatic agent, the possibility
of its use in order to improve the performance status of patients
with advanced, metastatic, chemo- and hormonoresistant breast
cancer should not be ruled out.
