Restoration of melatonin rhythms reduces tumour-promoting inflammation in oesophageal cancer survivors: a prospective cohort study - Report - MDSpire

Restoration of melatonin rhythms reduces tumour-promoting inflammation in oesophageal cancer survivors: a prospective cohort study

  • By

  • Tinghui Xu

  • Ying Jiang

  • Wenyan Shao

  • Zhejing Zhou

  • Pengyi Guo

  • June 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Restoring Melatonin Rhythms Mitigates Tumor-Enhancing Inflammation

Overview

This study demonstrates that restoring nocturnal melatonin rhythms in esophageal cancer survivors significantly reduces systemic inflammation and lowers the risk of adverse clinical events. Behavioral circadian realignment led to improved melatonin levels and better overall health outcomes.

Background

Esophageal cancer is a significant global health issue, particularly in East Asia, with high rates of incidence and mortality. Survivors often experience disrupted circadian rhythms, which can exacerbate inflammation and negatively impact recovery. Understanding the relationship between melatonin rhythms and inflammation may provide new avenues for improving survivorship care.

Data Highlights

{'format': 'JSON', 'summary': {'Composite Inflammation Score Change': {'Behavioral Group': '-0.30 ± 0.18', 'Control Group': '-0.03 ± 0.15', 'Between-Group Difference': '-0.27 (95% CI -0.30 to -0.24)'}, 'Hazard Ratio for Adverse Events': {'Behavioral Group': '0.38 (95% CI 0.21–0.68)', 'Control Group': 'N/A'}, 'Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Change': {'Behavioral Group': '-2.7 points', 'Control Group': 'N/A'}}}

Key Findings

  • 76% of rhythm-blunted survivors achieved a melatonin amplitude ≥ 2.5 after 12 months.
  • Significant reductions in systemic inflammation were observed in the behavioral intervention group.
  • Circadian restoration was associated with a 62% lower hazard of recurrence and other adverse events.
  • Improvements in sleep quality were noted, with a reduction of 2.7 points in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
  • Behavioral circadian realignment may serve as a non-pharmacologic strategy to enhance recovery in cancer survivors.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider integrating behavioral circadian-realignment strategies into survivorship care for esophageal cancer patients. Monitoring melatonin levels could serve as a useful tool in assessing and improving patient outcomes related to inflammation and overall health.

Conclusion

Restoring melatonin rhythms through behavioral interventions presents a promising approach to mitigate inflammation and improve clinical outcomes in esophageal cancer survivors. Further research is warranted to establish these strategies as standard practice in oncology care.

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  4. The ASCO Post, Impact of Time of Day of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Infusion on Overall Survival in Patients With Metastatic Melanoma, 2021
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  8. Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy for Advanced Gastroesophageal Cancer: ASCO Living Guideline | ASCO Publications

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