Early use of Nicotinamide reduces the risk of recurrent skin cancer

A new large-scale study has found that starting nicotinamide — a form of vitamin B3 — early may significantly lower the risk of recurrent skin cancer in individuals who have previously experienced the disease.

Researchers from the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center (USA) analyzed data from more than 33,000 patients. Some participants received 500 mg of nicotinamide twice daily.

Findings:

• Among people who began taking nicotinamide shortly after their first skin cancer diagnosis, the risk of developing a new cancer dropped by roughly 50%.
• The most pronounced protective effect was seen in squamous cell carcinoma.
• For basal cell carcinoma, the effect was less significant.
• In transplant recipients, the benefit was weaker overall but still substantial when treatment began early.

Experts emphasize that the timing of treatment initiation is crucial — the earlier prevention starts after diagnosis, the greater the protective effect.

Nicotinamide is not a “miracle drug,” but part of a comprehensive prevention strategy that also includes consistent sun protection, regular dermatologic checkups, and treatment of precancerous skin changes.

 Deutsches Ärzteblatt, Freitag, 26. September 2025 Source