Melatonin for cancer-related fatigue during chemotherapy Original paper

In this randomized controlled trial among women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer, nightly supplementation with melatonin, compared to a placebo, did not reduce fatigue or improve well-being to a statistically significant degree.

The effects of melatonin supplementation and Mediterranean diet adherence on cancer related fatigue and well-being among women receiving chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer.

The primary outcome was cancer-related fatigue and well-being, as measured using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT) questionnaire. The FACIT questionnaire includes a fatigue subscale, as well as subscales of physical, social, emotional, and functional well-being.

Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence was assessed using the MedDietScore calculator, which includes the frequency and amount of consumed MD foods such as unrefined grains, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish, and olive oil.

Physical characteristics such as height, weight, waist circumference, and BMI were assessed, and blood samples were collected to assess lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, and glucose levels.

49 Greek women (median age of 52) who were receiving chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer.

In this cohort, 59% of the participants were classified as overweight or obese, 37% were within the target BMI range (18.5–24.9), and 4% were underweight.

In this 3-month randomized controlled trial, all of the participants received personalized dietary plans based on the Mediterranean diet and a booklet of guidelines on lifestyle, nutrition, and physical activity.

In addition, the participants received either melatonin (1 mg) or placebo tablets to be taken 1 hour before bed each evening.

Assessments were conducted at baseline and after 3 months.

FACIT scores did not differ significantly between the melatonin and placebo groups at 3 months.

The MD adherence scores increased from baseline in both groups, and the average body weight, BMI, and waist circumference measures improved (decreased) in both groups, but there were no significant differences between groups.

Overall FACIT scores (including fatigue) improved in the melatonin group compared to baseline. This suggests the possibility that melatonin was beneficial for well-being, but the current study was underpowered to detect a difference compared to the placebo.

A higher BMI was associated with greater fatigue, and greater MD adherence was associated with less fatigue. These associations were observed after corrections for age and waist circumference, but only the BMI association remained statistically significant after adjusting for blood markers.