American researchers from the University of Minnesota have discovered that vitamin B3 enhances the effectiveness of the immune response in combating cancer. The results of the study are described in an article published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
During the first clinical trial, the authors tested a combination of standard monoclonal antibody therapy and nicotinamide, which is also known as vitamin B3. Thirty individuals participated in the study, including 19 patients with progressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, was used to treat NK cells—immune lymphocytes that control and destroy invading pathogens and play a crucial role in the immune response against tumour cells.
The team found that the treatment boosted the activity of NK cells. Specifically, during the 28-day treatment period, 11 of the non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients demonstrated a complete immune response, and three showed a partial response. Furthermore, this innovative approach led to remission in patients with treatment-resistant forms of cancer.
Experts believe that nicotinamide protects NK cells from oxidative stress while simultaneously enhancing their ability to reside in lymph nodes. Thus, the compound not only increases the activity of immune cells but also enhances their viability and their capacity to locate and destroy cancer cells.