JNO: High Doses of Vitamin B3 May Slow Progression of Aggressive Brain Tumor

Researchers at the University of Calgary have found that high doses of vitamin B3 (niacin) may activate immune cells and slow the growth of glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive types of brain cancer. The findings were published in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology (JNO).

The study focused on the immune system: glioblastoma suppresses immune cell activity, preventing an effective attack on the tumor. Laboratory experiments in animals showed that niacin can “reboot” weakened immune cells and enhance their anti-tumor activity.

These results formed the basis for a Phase I–II clinical trial involving 24 patients. Preliminary analysis indicated that 82% of participants experienced no disease progression for six months after starting therapy — 28% higher than rates reported in previous studies of standard glioblastoma treatments.

The researchers emphasize that the findings are still early, but they appear promising for a disease whose survival rates have remained largely unchanged for more than 20 years. They also caution that high doses of vitamin B3 can be toxic and should only be administered under strict medical supervision.