25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Patients With Melanoma and Factors Associated With Inadequate Levels.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Patients with melanoma often implement stringent sun-protection measures.
• These measures may significantly impact 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels.
• Understanding factors associated with inadequate vitamin D is crucial for this patient group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in patients diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma.
• To identify environmental, phenotypic, and genotypic factors associated with insufficient and deficient 25(OH)D levels.

Main Methods:

• Prospective measurement of serum 25(OH)D over one year in melanoma patients.
• Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify associated factors.
• Environmental, phenotypic, and genotypic data were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• 8.8% of 215 patients had deficient 25(OH)D levels (<10 ng/mL); only 24.7% had normal levels.
• Insufficient levels (<30 ng/mL) were associated with obesity and blood sampling in autumn/winter.
• Deficient levels (<10 ng/mL) were linked to obesity, autumn/winter sampling, absence of freckles, and fewer MC1R polymorphisms.

Conclusions:

• Low 25(OH)D levels are prevalent in melanoma patients.
• Obesity, season of blood draw, and certain genetic factors influence vitamin D status.
• Monitoring 25(OH)D and considering oral supplements are recommended for melanoma patients.