Researchers studied the effect of dopamine (DA) and doxorubicin (DXR), a chemotherapy drug, on MCF-7 breast tumor growth. The results show that the dopamine + doxorubicin combination resulted in the most significant reduction in tumor size, indicating that combination therapy is more effective than either treatment used alone.
Dopamine is both a neurotransmitter and hormone. While it’s commonly known for its impact on mood and cognition, dopamine is also a key regulator of various other physiological functions, including energy production and stress responses.
Research shows that dopamine and its receptors (such as D1R) can affect tumor growth, angiogenesis (formation of blood vessels for tumors), and the tumor microenvironment. Because of this, enhancing dopamine improves the efficacy of chemotherapy, reduces tumor size by modulating blood supply, and induces apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells.
Dopamine’s anticancer effects may be a result of its ability to shift the body away from a state of stress.
Dopamine opposes several drivers of breast cancer, including excess cortisol, estrogen, and prolactin. When these hormones are chronically elevated, they can inhibit healthy energy production and disrupt cellular metabolism. This disruption can trigger a stress response in cells, causing them to shift their metabolism to glycolysis (a key hallmark of cancer). In this state, stressed cells begin to proliferate abnormally and signal surrounding tissues to form new blood vessels in an effort to correct their energy deficiency.
When dopamine is in balance, this stress response is inhibited allowing cells to return to a more efficient metabolism. This balance helps “soothe” the signals that promote cancer growth, decreasing abnormal energy production and cell proliferation.
Drug repurposing:
This research suggests that increasing dopamine levels could be a valuable strategy in cancer treatment. Fortunately, several approved dopamine agonists may be repurposed: Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors, commonly used for Parkinson’s disease, prevent dopamine breakdown in the brain. For instance, the drug Selegiline increases dopamine availability by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for its degradation, and has shown potential for cancer treatment. Drugs like Fenoldopam, a D1 receptor agonist used to manage hypertension, have demonstrated promise in reducing tumor growth as well.
Dopamine and motivation:
Interestingly, dopamine is commonly associated with the brain’s reward system. It stimulates feelings of pleasure, motivation, and reinforcement. When we experience something enjoyable (completing tasks, eating, exercising, social interaction), dopamine is released, creating a sense of satisfaction or “reward.”
I find this connection between dopamine and cancer fascinating. One of the most essential components of prevention is meaningful engagement with life—having purpose, connection, and a deep sense of fulfillment. Healthy dopamine plays a key role in this. It’s compelling that the same substance that helps us feel pleasure and purpose can also treat cancer. To me there is an obvious connection between the health of the spirit, the mind, and the body.
Natural ways to increase dopamine production:
- Sunlight exposure – vitamin D has been demonstrated to increase enzymes that stimulate dopamine production
- Completing difficult tasks
- Tyrosine, an amino acid and precursor to dopamine
- Caffeine
- Theanine
- Magnesium
- Listening to music
- Creative expression – writing, singing, making art, etc.
- Spending time with loved ones
- Reading books
- Exercising
- Adequate sleep
- Engaging in meaningful interaction with others
- Healthy progesterone & testosterone levels, both of which increase dopamine and have their own anti-cancer properties