# Common Vitamin Proves to Be an Aid in Treating Aggressive Brain Cancer

Scientists from the University of Calgary are studying the possibility of using high doses of vitamin B3 (niacin) to increase the effectiveness of treatment for glioblastoma - one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat types of brain cancer. Despite surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the tumor often returns even after comprehensive treatment.

As reported by BAKU.WS citing the Journal of Neuro-Oncology (JNO), researchers suggest that glioblastoma suppresses the immune system, preventing it from fully attacking tumor cells. During laboratory experiments on animals, it was established that niacin is capable of "rebooting" weakened immune cells and enhancing their anti-tumor activity.

These findings became the basis for conducting a Phase I–II clinical study with patient participation. In a preliminary analysis of 24 people, 82 percent of participants showed no disease progression within six months after the start of therapy - this is 28 percent higher than standard treatment rates recorded in previous studies.

Scientists emphasize that the results obtained are still early, but look promising for a disease in which survival rates have remained virtually unchanged over the past 20 years.

At the same time, specialists warn: the use of high doses of vitamin B3 can be toxic and is permissible only under medical supervision.