Vitamin B3 Linked to Lower Skin Cancer Relapse Rates, New Study Finds
A recent cohort study suggests oral nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, may significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer relapse in patients with non-melanocytic skin cancer. Researchers analyzing the health records of nearly 34,000 individuals found those treated with nicotinamide twice daily for at least 30 days following an initial diagnosis experienced improved skin cancer-free survival and a lower rate of recurrence.
The findings, published by PTA in Love, build on existing research highlighting nicotinamide’s potential in skin cancer prevention. The study authors attribute the positive effects to nicotinamide’s known ability to repair UV-related DNA damage and mitigate UV-induced immunosuppression. This research offers a promising avenue for chemoprevention strategies in a common cancer type affecting millions.
The study involved retrospective analysis of electronic health records. Approximately one-third of the patients included in the study were treated with oral nicotinamide after their initial skin cancer diagnosis, while the remaining patients did not receive the vitamin B3 supplement. Researchers observed a statistically meaningful advancement in skin cancer-free survival and a reduction in relapse rates among those taking nicotinamide.
“The results of this cohort study suggest that there is a lower risk of skin cancer in patients who are treated with Nicotinamide,” the study authors concluded.
Annabell Wagner,deputy editor-in-chief of PTA in Love and author of the report,has been covering health news since 2016 and emphasizes the importance of accessible information regarding pharmaceutical,medical,and health policy developments.
