Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

Rx immunomodulator: Transient opioid block → endorphin/OGF ↑, Treg ↓, proliferation arrest; adjunct signals in colorectal/neuroblastoma/breast.

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👥⭐⭐⭐ Moderate — Preclinical + small clinical studies suggest immune/endocrine modulation and adjunct potential; confirmatory oncology RCTs are limited.LDNUltra-low dose naltrexone

Forms: Compounded capsules (1-4.5 mg) · Oral solution (custom-titrated)

Educational only, not medical advice. OncoForge makes no claim that Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) treats, prevents, or cures any condition, beyond what the linked studies show. Evidence levels vary; effects may not translate to people, and some compounds can cause harm. Always coordinate with your oncology team.

Key Takeaway

Nightly 1–4.5 mg naltrexone transiently blocks opioid receptors, provoking a rebound in endogenous endorphins and modulating the OGF–OGFr axis; small studies suggest lowered Tregs and possible antiproliferative/immune effects as an adjunct. Larger oncology RCTs are still sparse.

Evidence at a glance

Tier 2 · animalColorectalNeuroblastomaBreastOvarian

Preclinical OGF mechanisms + small human trials on immune/QoL; oncology adjunct signals emerging but RCTs sparse.

How it may work

Short opioid-receptor blockade → rebound β-endorphin/met-enkephalin → activation of opioid growth factor (OGF) pathway, cell-cycle modulation (p16/p21), and immune effects (Treg downshift, Th1 tilt). Preclinical/early clinical signals in colorectal, neuroblastoma, breast, and others; may enhance chemo sensitivity and QoL.

Targets & pathways

Curated mechanistic targets reported for this agent — how it may act on cells, not proof of a clinical effect.

Treg↓Downshift in suppressive T cells for Th1 tilt
Opioid ReceptorModTransient blockade → rebound signaling
Endorphin↑β-endorphin/met-enkephalin surge
OGF-OGFr↑Opioid growth factor pathway activation
Cell CycleArrestp16/p21 mediated
Apoptosis↑Caspase activation in tumor cells

TregOpioid ModEndorphin

Often studied / combined with

Combinations reported in the literature, not a protocol or a recommendation.

Chemotherapy: Improved response rates and reduced progression in colorectal trials.
Cannabidiol: Amplified antiproliferative and immune effects in preclinical models.
Curcumin: Cooperative Treg ↓ and Th1 enhancement in breast cancer.
Resveratrol: Synergistic OGF activation and apoptosis in neuroblastoma.

Overlapping mechanisms

Immune (Treg): Overlaps with other Treg modulators (e.g., low-dose cyclo); assess net immune balance.
Cell Cycle Arrest: p16/p21 effects may duplicate with other CDK inhibitors.

Safety & interactions

Severity and how well-established each signal is are shown separately. Verify everything with your oncologist or pharmacist — absence here does not mean safe.

Risk categories

Vivid DreamsInsomniaHepatotoxicity

Potential interactions

opioidsContraindicateHighTheoreticalBlocks analgesia; precipitate withdrawal if concurrent.
immunosuppressantsMonitorModerateTheoreticalMay counteract Treg suppression benefits.
CannabidiolSynergizeLowTheoreticalEnhances antiproliferative effects.

Timing

Bedtime: Optimizes endorphin rebound during sleep.
HS: 30-60 min before sleep; consistent nightly.

References

Research

No published studies for Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) yet

New studies appear here once they’ve been reviewed. Browse all studies.

Dose: as studied, not a recommendation

These are doses as studied or reported, never a recommendation. The right amount of Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) depends on you, your other medicines, and your situation; decide it with your oncology team and pharmacist, not from a web page.

Ranges seen in adjunct / practice use: 1–4.5 mg/night (po) Bedtime; titrate from 1.5 mg up, Standard oncology adjunct 3-4.5 mg HS; requires compounding pharmacy; monitor for rebound effects..

Trials studying Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

No actively-recruiting trials matched right now. Recruiting is not the same as proven. Search ClinicalTrials.gov →

Inclusion here is not an endorsement. OncoForge makes no claim beyond what the linked studies show. Discuss anything on this page with your oncology team before acting on it.

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