Study says popular NAD+ supplements may help pancreatic cancer cells survive chemo
Case Western Reserve researchers reported that vitamin B3 derivatives sold as anti-aging energy pills, including NMN and NR, shielded pancreatic cancer cells from three common chemotherapy drugs in lab and mouse tests. Fox News summarized the Cancer Letters paper and said oncologists should ask patients about supplements.
Popular over-the-counter anti-aging supplements that raise NAD+ levels may help pancreatic cancer cells ride out chemotherapy, according to a Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine study summarized by Fox News.
The compounds under study are vitamin B3 derivatives: nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), nicotinamide riboside (NR), and nicotinamide (NAM). The body uses them to make NAD+, a molecule that helps cells produce energy and repair damage. Millions of Americans buy the pills for energy and general wellness, and some cancer patients take them hoping to ease chemo side effects.
In cell cultures and mouse models of pancreatic cancer, the supplements shielded tumors from three standard drugs: oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and gemcitabine. Tumors survived doses that usually kill them. Lead author Jordan Winter, a Case Western professor and co-leader of developmental therapeutics at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, said the work highlights a concerning role for NAD+ boosters during active cancer treatment.
The researchers said the extra NAD+ can give cancer cells more energy, blunt oxidative stress that chemo relies on, and block DNA damage and cell death. Pancreatic cancer already has a five-year survival rate of about 13 percent, according to the American Cancer Society figures cited in the report.
The team stressed the pills are not treated as dangerous for healthy people using them for general wellness. The risk they flag is for patients in active therapy. Winter said the findings are a call for oncology teams to screen routinely for supplement use and for more research on how NAD+ precursors interact with cancer drugs.
Because the work used lab cultures and animals, not human clinical trials, the results may not map one-for-one to patients. The study also focused on pancreatic cancer, so effects on other cancers or drug combinations remain unknown. Fox News Digital said it sought comment from NAD+ manufacturers. Patients in treatment were urged to ask their oncologist before starting any over-the-counter supplement.
Go Deeper
Which supplements were tested?
Vitamin B3 derivatives that raise NAD+: NMN, nicotinamide riboside (NR), and nicotinamide (NAM). They are widely sold as anti-aging or energy pills.
What did they do to chemo?
In lab and mouse models of pancreatic cancer, they helped tumor cells survive oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and gemcitabine.
Should healthy people stop taking them?
The researchers said they are not calling them unsafe for healthy users. The warning is aimed at people in active cancer therapy.
Was this tested in people?
No. The paper used cell cultures and animal models. Human clinical trials are still needed.
What should a chemo patient do?
Tell the oncology team about every supplement, including NAD+ boosters, before starting or continuing them. Do not self-adjust cancer drugs.
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