In a groundbreaking study published in JAMA Dermatology, researchers have found compelling evidence supporting the use of nicotinamide as a dietary supplement for skin cancer prevention. Nicotinamide, a derivative of vitamin B3, has been recommended by dermatologists for individuals with a history of skin cancer since 2015. The initial clinical study with 386 participants showed a significant reduction in new occurrences of skin cancer among those who took nicotinamide.
The challenge in validating these findings on a larger scale has been the availability of data, as nicotinamide can be purchased over the counter without being recorded in patients’ medical records. However, researchers were able to overcome this obstacle by analyzing records from the Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse, where nicotinamide is listed on the official formulary.
The study included 33,833 patients who had been treated with 500 milligrams of nicotinamide twice daily for over 30 days. The outcomes of 12,287 patients who received the treatment were compared with 21,479 who did not. The results showed a 14% overall reduction in skin cancer risk, with an even greater risk reduction of 54% when nicotinamide was taken after the first skin cancer diagnosis.
Dr. Lee Wheless, the study’s corresponding author, emphasized the importance of starting nicotinamide treatment earlier for skin cancer prevention, rather than waiting until patients have developed multiple skin cancers. However, further research is needed to identify patients who will benefit the most from this preventive measure, as not all individuals may experience the same level of risk reduction.
The study also examined the outcomes of 1,334 immunocompromised patients who had received solid organ transplants. While no significant overall risk reduction was observed among solid organ transplant recipients, early use of nicotinamide was associated with a reduced occurrence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
These findings highlight the potential of nicotinamide as an effective strategy for skin cancer prevention and underscore the need for further research to optimize its use in clinical practice. The study provides valuable insights into the role of dietary supplements in promoting skin health and reducing the risk of skin cancer in high-risk individuals.
For more information, the full study can be found in JAMA Dermatology under the title “Nicotinamide for Skin Cancer Chemoprevention.” This research was conducted by Kimberly F. Breglio et al. and can be accessed with DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.3238.
This groundbreaking study was conducted by researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center and sheds light on the potential benefits of nicotinamide for skin cancer prevention. By harnessing the power of dietary supplements, we may be able to make significant strides in reducing the incidence of skin cancer and improving outcomes for patients at risk.
