[Vitamin D in oncology: Update 2015]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in cancer patients, correlating with poorer prognosis and disease progression.
• Specific cancer treatments, like anthracycline and taxane polychemotherapy, can significantly decrease 25(OH)D levels.
• Osteomalacia, linked to vitamin D deficiency, is an emerging risk factor for bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the association between vitamin D deficiency and cancer incidence and progression.
• To emphasize the risks of bisphosphonate use in patients with vitamin D deficiency.
• To recommend monitoring and supplementation of vitamin D in cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on vitamin D status in cancer patients.
• Analysis of the impact of chemotherapy and specific medications on vitamin D levels.
• Identification of risk factors associated with vitamin D deficiency in oncology.

Main Results:

• Vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased breast and colon cancer incidence and unfavorable non-Hodgkin lymphoma outcomes.
• A significant decline in 25(OH)D levels was observed in breast cancer patients undergoing specific polychemotherapy.
• Osteomalacia is identified as a risk factor for bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D status must be monitored in all cancer patients.
• Adequate vitamin D3 supplementation is recommended, especially for patients with poor nutritional status or undergoing specific treatments.
• Bisphosphonates should be avoided in patients with uncorrected vitamin D deficiency to prevent jaw osteonecrosis.