Progesterone Inhibits the Growth of Human Neuroblastoma: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence

The study demonstrated that high concentrations of natural progesterone (P4) inhibited the growth of human neuroblastoma cells both in vitro and in vivo, without affecting healthy cells. In vitro, P4 induced significant cell death in neuroblastoma cells, with maximum effect at 80 µmol/L. In vivo, P4 treatment in a mouse model reduced tumor growth by approximately 50%, decreased markers of tumor proliferation, and increased apoptosis. The study involved 12 mice per group, providing robust evidence for P4's potential as a therapeutic agent against neuroblastoma, suggesting it could be a safe and effective alternative to traditional therapies with fewer adverse effects.