[Vitamin D anti-cancer activities: observations, doubts and certainties].

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Molecular Biology
• Oncology

Context:

• Vitamin D's role in bone and calcium metabolism is established.
• Emerging research highlights vitamin D's immunomodulatory and anticancer effects.
• Optimal vitamin D concentrations for these effects are under investigation.

Purpose:

• To review current knowledge on vitamin D's properties.
• To explore vitamin D's potential in cancer prevention and management.
• To discuss the complexities in determining optimal vitamin D levels.

Summary:

• Epidemiological studies link low vitamin D levels to increased cancer risk, particularly breast and colon adenocarcinomas.
• In vitro studies demonstrate vitamin D's anticancer activities, including apoptosis induction, cell differentiation, proliferation inhibition, and anti-angiogenesis.
• Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism complicates the determination of optimal serum concentrations.

Impact:

• Provides an updated overview of vitamin D's multifaceted roles.
• Highlights the potential therapeutic and preventative applications of vitamin D in oncology.
• Informs future research on vitamin D supplementation and cancer therapy.