A new study published in Cancer Letters suggests that popular anti-aging supplements—including nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), nicotinamide riboside (NR), and nicotinamide (NAM)—may impair the effectiveness of chemotherapy in treating pancreatic cancer.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that these vitamin B3 derivatives, which the body uses to produce NAD+, could inadvertently help cancer cells survive chemotherapy by repairing damage caused by treatment. The study examined interactions with three common chemotherapy drugs: oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and gemcitabine.
Key Findings
In both laboratory experiments and animal models, the supplements shielded pancreatic cancer cells from the effects of chemotherapy. Tumors exposed to these supplements survived doses of chemotherapy that would typically be lethal. The research highlights a potential risk for patients undergoing treatment while taking these supplements.
Study Lead’s Statement
Jordan Winter, a professor at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and co-leader of the developmental therapeutics program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, stated in a press release: “Our findings highlight a potentially concerning role for NAD+-boosting supplements in the context of active cancer, especially when used in conjunction with chemotherapy.”
Pancreatic Cancer Context
Pancreatic cancer has a 13% five-year survival rate, according to the American Cancer Society. The disease is particularly aggressive, and chemotherapy remains a primary treatment option. The study raises questions about whether patients undergoing chemotherapy should avoid NAD+-boosting supplements to ensure treatment efficacy.
Mechanism of Action
NAD+ is a molecule critical for cellular energy production and DNA repair. While supplements like NMN, NR, and NAM are marketed for anti-aging and energy-boosting benefits, the study suggests they may provide cancer cells with additional resources to resist chemotherapy-induced damage.
Implications for Patients
The research does not definitively prove that these supplements directly cause treatment failure in humans, but it indicates a potential interaction that warrants further investigation. Patients currently taking these supplements are advised to consult their oncologists before continuing use during chemotherapy.
Background on NAD+ Supplements
NAD+ precursors like NMN, NR, and NAM have gained popularity in recent years for their purported benefits, including improved energy levels, cognitive function, and longevity. However, their effects in the context of active cancer treatment have not been extensively studied until now.
Next Steps
The researchers call for further clinical studies to determine the real-world impact of these supplements on chemotherapy outcomes. The study’s authors emphasize the need for caution when combining NAD+-boosting supplements with cancer treatments.