Cancer and NMN: Can NMN Compact Cancer and Revolutionize Cancer Treatments?

While various treatment approaches currently exist, they often pose their unique challenges and limitations. Some treatments may result in adverse side effects, while others might not be as effective against certain types of cancer. Consequently, the quest for more comprehensive, safer, and more effective treatments remains a priority.

A potential novel approach to this global issue lies with Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), a molecule naturally present in our bodies that plays a vital role in cellular energy metabolism and may profoundly impact cancer progression and treatment. Emerging research is beginning to unveil its potential benefits, particularly for patients diagnosed with cancer.

In this article, we will:

By delving into these aspects, we aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the potential role of NMN in the fight against cancer. 

Please note that while we highlight the potential benefits of NMN, we acknowledge the need for further research to firmly establish its role in cancer treatment and care. [1] 

What Is Cancer?

There are over 100 types of cancer, and they can come from different parts of the body. Some common ones include breast, lung, prostate, and colon cancer. We don't fully understand why cancer happens, but it's likely a mix of genes, our environment, and lifestyle. Things like smoking, exposure to some chemicals, bad diet, and lack of exercise can increase the risk.

Detecting cancer early, better treatment options, and knowing what increases the risk have improved survival rates for many cancers. But, we're still looking for better ways to treat it. NMN is a possible new treatment we're studying. [2] 

The Intriguing Science of NMN and Cancer

Furthermore, it may also play a protective role in mitigating the side effects of chemotherapy, memory loss, and hearing damage. While further research is needed, these findings offer a glimpse into NMN's potential role in improving the quality of life for those undergoing cancer treatment. 

The next section will delve into these intriguing aspects of NMN research.

NMN Can Slow Down Breast Cancer Growth, Study Finds

Recent research indicates that NMN could help combat a particularly aggressive breast cancer variant, triple-negative breast cancer, which impacts about 15% of patients. 

In experiments conducted by Tsinghua University researchers published in Oncogene in 2023, NMN treatment led to smaller tumors and increased survival in mice. 

NMN's effectiveness lies in activating the protein Sirtuin 1, vital for DNA repair and eliminating harmful molecules. However, without Sirtuin 1, NMN's cancer-inhibiting ability diminishes. Dosage is crucial, with higher doses showing more impact on slowing cancer growth. 

While NMN has potential as a new treatment method, human studies are necessary to confirm these results. [3] 

NMN Shields Intestines from Radiation Damage During Cancer Treatment

In a 2022 study in the Free Radical Biology & Medicine Journal, scientists from China said that NMN can lessen the damage to the gut caused by radiation used in cancer treatment. Nowadays, almost 80% of patients who get radiation therapy in the stomach area have problems with their gut. 

The scientists studied mice and found that NMN lowered the DNA damage and bad molecules created by radiation. It also raised the levels of good proteins, called sirtuins, which help cells stay alive. 

NMN was especially useful for cells that didn't have much of a protein called NRF2, which is often the case in older people. This suggests that NMN could be good at protecting older people from harm caused by radiation. 

Earlier studies had shown that NMN can help a type of sirtuin called SIRT1 work better. This study found that it can also help two other types, SIRT6 and SIRT7. 

So, these results suggest that NMN might be a good addition to regular cancer treatment, as it could help reduce the bad side effects of radiation. [4] 

NMN Supercharges Immune Cells, Enhancing Cancer Therapy

In a study published in the Hepatology Journal in 2022, Shandong University researchers found that NMN supercharges immune cells, particularly Natural Killer (NK) cells, bolstering their fight against cancer. 

The study showed that energizing NK cells with NMN resulted in more effective combat against cancer cells, notably in mice with liver and skin cancer. This led to an increase in the mice's lifespans, slowed cancer growth, and occasionally reduced tumor size. 

This could enhance immunotherapy, potentially overcoming challenges with using NK cells. Additionally, NK cells, boosted by NMN, could potentially decelerate aging by eliminating harmful old cells. [5] 

NMN Helps Protect Hearing in Mice During Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin often cause hearing loss by damaging specific ear cells. A team led by Zhan at Sun Yat-Sen University in China published a study in Toxicology Letters in 2021 that discovered that NAD+, an essential cellular molecule, decreases in these cells due to cisplatin, leading to cell death and hearing problems. 

The researchers managed to counteract this by administering NMN to mice, preserving their ear cells and hearing. With cisplatin being used by 10-20% of all cancer patients and causing permanent hearing loss in many, this discovery could offer a potential solution. 

The team hopes that this finding can contribute to improved treatment strategies, preventing hearing loss in cisplatin-treated cancer patients. [6] 

NMN Shields Against Chemotherapy-Triggered Mitochondrial Damage

Chemotherapy often triggers "chemobrain", a condition affecting cognitive abilities in about 60% of treated individuals. 

Mayo Clinic researchers published a study in Brain plasticity in 2022 NMN could help prevent chemobrain by protecting brain cells and enhancing mitochondrial function. Their study revealed that NMN shields against damage by the chemotherapy drug cisplatin, which harms mitochondria, leading to an overproduction of harmful molecules. 

Researchers demonstrated this protective effect of NMN on brain cells developed from a teenager's stem cells in a lab setting. They discovered that NMN prevented the usual drop in energy production caused by cisplatin and inhibited drug-induced mitochondrial swelling. 

NMN's potential extends beyond chemobrain; it could also help prevent heart damage and gut damage caused by other cancer treatments. Further research is required to validate these findings. [7] 

Conclusion

The groundbreaking potential of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) in the fight against cancer is evident from recent studies, highlighting its capability not only to slow down cancer progression but also to enhance the quality of life for patients through reduced treatment side effects. As we endeavor to better understand its role, it's crucial to rely on trustworthy sources for NMN supplementation.

Choose HealthspanX's Ultra Pure NMN™ – recognized for its premium quality and backed by rigorous research – to support your health journey. Stay informed with us as we continue to bring forth the latest in NMN cancer research.

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