Naltrexone is a prescription medication that is normally used in the treatment of addictions. In cancer care, there is a growing amount of evidence where the use of naltrexone used at lower doses may positively impact the immune system to assist in the fight against cancer and other conditions. Side-effects are minimal with some patients experiencing vivid dreams and others the bowels may have a tendency for being a little looser. It is not recommended for people taking an opiate-type medication along with naltrexone as it may block the pain-relieving properties. Doses of the medication can be adjusted as needed.
Case reports suggest that naltrexone may hold value in lymphoma and pancreatic cancers and in vitro studies suggest a role in ovarian cancers. Research from Italy has used naltrexone along with other immune treatments in various metastatic cancers which include kidney cancer with encouraging results. Anecdotal evidence also suggests positive correlations in colon and prostate cancers as well.