Millions of Americans taking over-the-counter anti-aging supplements may be inadvertently compromising their cancer treatments, according to new research. A study from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine suggests that popular vitamin B3 derivatives, including nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), nicotinamide riboside (NR), and nicotinamide (NAM), could enable cancer cells to survive chemotherapy.
These compounds are utilized by the body to produce NAD+, a molecule essential for cellular energy generation and repair. While boosting NAD+ levels can benefit healthy cells, the study found that pancreatic cancer cells may exploit these extra resources to repair chemotherapy-induced damage and evade cell death.
In laboratory experiments and animal models, these supplements were shown to shield cancer cells against common chemotherapy drugs such as oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and gemcitabine. This protection allowed tumors to survive chemotherapy doses that would typically be fatal.
"Our findings highlight a potentially concerning role for NAD+-boosting supplements in the context of active cancer, especially when used in conjunction with chemotherapy," stated study lead Jordan Winter, a professor at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine. "Our discovery is a call to action for the medical community."
The study, published in the journal Cancer Letters, focused on pancreatic cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease with a low five-year survival rate. Researchers emphasized that while these B3 derivatives are generally considered safe for healthy individuals seeking general wellness, the risk for patients undergoing active cancer therapy is significant.
"This research is a critical reminder that ‘natural’ doesn’t always mean safe, especially in the complex biology of cancer treatment," Winter added.
The research team recommends that oncology teams begin routinely screening patients for supplement use and called for further studies on how NAD+ precursors interact with various cancer therapies. Winter urged patients undergoing treatment to consult their oncologists before taking any over-the-counter supplements.
It is important to note that the study's findings were based on laboratory cell cultures and animal models, and may not directly reflect how these supplements affect human patients. Furthermore, the research concentrated specifically on pancreatic cancer, and the effects on other cancer types or with different drug combinations remain unclear. The study also evaluated short-term cellular responses, and the long-term impact on cancer patients is yet to be determined.