Melatonin and breast cancer: cellular mechanisms, clinical studies and future perspectives

Stephen G. Grant; Melissa A. Melan; Jean J. Latimer; Paula A. Witt-Enderby

doi:10.1017/S1462399409000982

Melatonin and breast cancer: cellular mechanisms, clinical studies and future perspectives

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 February 2009

Stephen G. Grant ,

Melissa A. Melan ,

Jean J. Latimer and

Paula A. Witt-Enderby

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Stephen G. Grant: Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA. Center for Environmental Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
Melissa A. Melan: Affiliation:
Division of Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Jean J. Latimer: Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA. Center for Environmental Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
Paula A. Witt-Enderby*: Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA. Center for Environmental Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA. Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA.
*: *Corresponding author: Paula A. Witt-Enderby, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, 421 Mellon Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA. Tel: +1 412 396 4346; Fax: +1 412 396 5599; E-mail: wittp@duq.edu

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Abstract

Recent studies have suggested that the pineal hormone melatonin may protect against breast cancer, and the mechanisms underlying its actions are becoming clearer. Melatonin works through receptors and distinct second messenger pathways to reduce cellular proliferation and to induce cellular differentiation. In addition, independently of receptors melatonin can modulate oestrogen-dependent pathways and reduce free-radical formation, thus preventing mutation and cellular toxicity. The fact that melatonin works through a myriad of signalling cascades that are protective to cells makes this hormone a good candidate for use in the clinic for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer. This review summarises cellular mechanisms governing the action of melatonin and then considers the potential use of melatonin in breast cancer prevention and treatment, with an emphasis on improving clinical outcomes.

Type: Review Article
Information: Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine , Volume 11 , July 2009 , e5

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1462399409000982 [Opens in a new window]
Copyright: Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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Melatonin and breast cancer: cellular mechanisms, clinical studies and future perspectives

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Melatonin and breast cancer: cellular mechanisms, clinical studies and future perspectives

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