Nicotinamide, a dietary supplement containing vitamin B3, has been recommended by dermatologists for individuals with a history of skin cancer since 2015. A clinical study involving 386 participants showed that those who took nicotinamide developed fewer new occurrences of skin cancer. However, validating these findings in a larger study group has been challenging due to the over-the-counter availability of nicotinamide.
In a recent study published in JAMA Dermatology on September 17, researchers utilized data from the Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse to analyze the outcomes of 33,833 patients who had been treated with nicotinamide. They specifically looked at the incidence of basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in these patients.
The study compared 12,287 patients who received nicotinamide treatment with 21,479 who did not. Overall, there was a 14% reduction in skin cancer risk among those who took nicotinamide. The risk reduction was even more significant (54%) when nicotinamide was initiated after the first skin cancer diagnosis. However, the benefit decreased when the treatment was started following subsequent skin cancers. The reduction in risk was particularly notable for squamous cell carcinoma.
Dr. Lee Wheless, the corresponding author of the study and an assistant professor of Dermatology and Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, emphasized the importance of identifying individuals who would benefit from nicotinamide treatment. While roughly half of patients may develop multiple skin cancers, determining the appropriate timing for starting nicotinamide treatment remains a key consideration.
Additionally, the study evaluated the outcomes of 1,334 immunocompromised patients who had received solid organ transplants. Among this group, early use of nicotinamide was associated with a decreased incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of nicotinamide for skin cancer prevention. Further research is needed to refine guidelines for the initiation of nicotinamide treatment in the general population. By starting treatment earlier, healthcare providers may be able to reduce the risk of skin cancer in high-risk individuals.
For more information on this study, you can refer to the publication in JAMA Dermatology by Kimberly F. Breglio et al. (DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.3238). This research was conducted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center and sheds light on the potential role of nicotinamide in skin cancer chemoprevention.
