[Vitamin D and cancer].

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Oncology
• Epidemiology

Context:

• Vitamin D receptor is present in various human tissues, including cancerous ones.
• Basic research indicates vitamin D possesses anti-cancer properties like promoting differentiation and inhibiting proliferation, inflammation, and angiogenesis.
• Epidemiological studies link low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels to increased colon cancer incidence and poorer prognosis in colon and breast cancer patients.

Purpose:

• To review the potential anti-cancer effects of vitamin D.
• To examine the association between vitamin D levels and cancer incidence and prognosis.
• To discuss the current status of clinical trials investigating vitamin D supplementation for cancer.

Summary:

• Vitamin D exhibits multiple anti-cancer mechanisms in preclinical studies.
• Low vitamin D levels are correlated with higher cancer risk and worse outcomes.
• Current clinical evidence from supplementation trials is inconclusive, pending results from ongoing large-scale randomized controlled studies.

Impact:

• Highlights the potential of vitamin D in cancer research and therapy.
• Underscores the need for further clinical investigation to confirm therapeutic benefits.
• Informs future research directions and clinical practice guidelines regarding vitamin D and cancer.