Meta-analysis of previous studies have shown that melatonin is a beneficial adjutant for reducing chemotherapy-induced toxicity; however no randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trials have been conducted. This study evaluates the effect of melatonin in improving quality of life and reducing chemotherapy-induced toxicity in advanced cancer patients. This is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial conducted in patients with histologically proven advanced non small cell lung, breast, head and neck or sarcoma cancer. Mixed-block randomization, stratified by center and treatment scheme is used to divide eligible patients into three groups: melatonin 20 mg, 10 mg or matched placebo. The patients are required to take the studied drugs at night (after 21.00 pm) on the first day of chemotherapy and continue daily for six months. Standard treatment is chemotherapy according to each center's standard protocol. Study endpoints are QOL (FACT), adverse event frequency (CTCAE), oxidative stress status, melatonin level, and survival.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
175
Active Comparator: Drug: Melatonin 10 mg
Active Comparator: Drug: Melatonin 20 mg
Matched placebo (identical formulation and delivery, without active ingredient)
Khon Kaen Hospital
Khon Kaen, Changwat Khon Kaen, Thailand
Srinagarind Hospital
Khon Kaen, Changwat Khon Kaen, Thailand
Quality of Life (FACT)
Self-reported questionnaires. FACT-L, FACT-B, FACT-H\&N and FACT-G Thai Version 4 has been previously validated. FACT-L, FACT-B, FACT-H\&N and FACT-G are used in lung, breast, head\&neck and sarcoma cancer patients, respectively. Change from baseline will be evaluated at 1,2,3 and 6 months after treatment.
Time frame: Change from baseline in total scores at 6 months after treatment
Number of participants with adverse events
CTCAE Version 4.3
Time frame: Baseline and 1,2,3 and 6 months after treatment
Oxidative stress status
8-isoprostane and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine urine and MDA plasma analysis
Time frame: Chemotherapy cycles 1,2,3,4
Melatonin level
Blood, urine and saliva analysis
Time frame: Chemotherapy cycle 1,2,3 and 4
Overall survival
Overall survival
Time frame: Over 4 years of the study
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.