Anti-proliferative Effects of Melatonin and Vitamin D in Breast Cancer
The investigators want to study whether Vitamin D and melatonin can reduce the growth of cancer cells in women with breast cancer. Studies using cell cultures and animals have shown that Vitamin D can reduce the spread of cancer. Studies in people have shown that exposure to sun and eating foods containing high levels of Vitamin D can protect against cancer. As well, researchers have noticed that an increase in melatonin levels appears to lower the risk of getting cancer. Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the body during the night while sleeping. Women with cancer proven by breast biopsy who are planned for surgery will be included. The investigators want to see if treatment with Vitamin D (2000 IU daily), or melatonin (20 mg daily), or both pills together, reduces the growth of cancer cells when compared to treatment with sugar pills. All women will receive identical appearing pills for approximately four weeks. The investigators will measure a tumour protein called Ki67 in the biopsy and in the tumour removed at surgery. Ki67 provides information on how rapidly the cancer grows. The reduction in Ki67 levels between the biopsy and surgery will be compared between the four groups. Vitamin D and melatonin are inexpensive with few side effects. If a reduction in cancer growth rate is shown then this would provide a strong reason for further large cancer prevention trials with Vitamin D and melatonin.
Primary Outcome:
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