In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Melatonin-Containing Combinations in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has poor prognosis and high mortality rates. Therefore, it is necessary to identify new targets and therapeutic strategies to improve the prognosis of patients with PDAC. Integrative therapies are increasingly being used to boost the efficacy of the known anticancer therapeutic approaches. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of a novel combination of different potential anticancer molecules, melatonin (MLT), cannabidiol (CBD), and oxygen–ozone (O₂/O₃) to treat PDAC using in vitro and in vivo models of human PDAC. The effect of this combination was investigated in combination with gemcitabine (GEM), the most common chemotherapeutic drug used for PDAC treatment. The combination of MLT + CBD + O₂/O₃ was more effective than the individual treatments in inhibiting PDAC cell viability and proliferation, inducing cell death, and modulating the RAS pathway protein levels. Moreover, different combinations of treatments reduced tumor mass in the PDAC mouse model, thus promoting the effect of GEM. In conclusion, a mixture of MLT + CBD + O₂/O₃ could serve as a potential adjuvant therapeutic strategy for PDAC.