Brain HealthVitamin B3 Boosts Immune Attack on Glioblastoma in Early Clinical Trial
Researchers at the University of Calgary are testing high-dose vitamin B3 (niacin) as an add-on treatment for glioblastoma, one of the deadliest brain cancers. Glioblastoma actively suppresses the immune system, allowing tumors to grow unchecked. Scientists found that niacin may 'reawaken' exhausted immune cells, restoring their ability to attack cancer. In a Phase I/II clinical trial involving 24 patients, 82% were progression-free at six months — a 28% improvement over historical benchmarks. The trial began with promising mouse studies showing extended survival, and human results have already surpassed the pre-set threshold needed to continue. While still early, these findings suggest a widely available, low-cost vitamin could meaningfully improve outcomes for a cancer with very few effective treatments.
