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Melatonin okay through chemotherapy?

Page last modified on: October 14, 2008

Question from Ellie-2: I have heard melatonin is good for cancer and is OK with chemo, but can I take it right through or should I stop a day or two ahead and after?: Answer —Gary Deng, M.D., Ph.D.: Melatonin does not feed cancer or stimulate cancer cells. In Europe, mainly Italy, there are some studies showing it may help during cancer treatment. I do not see any problem in taking it through chemotherapy. But do not use melatonin together with other sleeping pills, especially sedatives, as the additive effect may be too big.

On Wednesday, July 18, 2007, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Vitamins and Herbal Supplements. Gary Deng, M.D., Ph.D. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about how to safely and sensibly incorporate vitamins and supplements into your diet.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Gary Deng, M.D., Ph.D. is an internist and researcher with the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He is a principal investigator or co-principal investigator in several NIH-funded research projects in the Integrative Medicine Service.

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon. Her clinical practice is located at Holy Redeemer Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center.