Melatonin in cancer treatment
Abstract
RATIONALE: Preserving health-related quality of life is an aspect of care that requires constant attention from the time of cancer diagnosis. Melatonin has been used to diminish treatment-related side effects and cancer symptoms, and as a medication to regulate circadian rhythm. An up-to-date systematic review is needed to investigate the current evidence concerning possible beneficial effects of melatonin on quality of life and sleep in cancer patients.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the benefits and harms of melatonin for preserving health-related quality of life and sleep in cancer patients.
SEARCH METHODS: To identify studies for inclusion in this review, we used CENTRAL, MEDLINE, 10 other databases, and four trial registers, together with reference checking, citation searching, and contact with study authors. The latest search date was 10 September 2024.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of adults (18 years or over) with histologically proven cancer of any stage that evaluated melatonin (alone or in combination with standard anticancer treatment) versus no treatment or placebo (alone or in combination with standard anticancer treatment), or standard anticancer treatment. Standard anticancer treatment refers to treatments to stop or prevent cancer, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapies (such as androgen deprivation therapy).
OUTCOMES: The primary outcomes of interest were quality of life and…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 5,093 participants or records.
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