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Malignant Melanoma: Vitamin D Status as a Risk and Prognostic Factor - Meta-analyses and Systematic Review
Sinan Haddad1, Julius Johannes Weise2, Stefan Wagenpfeil2
1Department of Dermatology, Venereology, Allergology, Institute for Medical Biometry, Epidemiology and Medical Informatics, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany sinhaddad@gmail.com.
Anticancer Research
|December 31, 2024
Summary
Low vitamin D levels are linked to increased melanoma risk and poorer outcomes. This study highlights vitamin D
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Solar ultraviolet radiation is a primary skin cancer risk factor.
- Vitamin D synthesis from sun exposure may have anti-carcinogenic effects on melanocytes.
- The role of vitamin D in melanoma risk and prognosis is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between vitamin D status and melanoma risk.
- To assess the impact of vitamin D status on melanoma prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analyses of existing studies.
- Searches conducted in Medline (PubMed) and ISI (Web of Science).
Main Results:
- Melanoma patients exhibited lower mean 25(OH)D levels than controls.
- Low vitamin D was associated with increased Breslow thickness, mitotic rate, and ulceration.
- A trend towards increased melanoma risk was observed in vitamin D deficient individuals.
Conclusions:
- Low vitamin D status is associated with higher melanoma risk.
- Vitamin D deficiency correlates with a worse melanoma prognosis.
- Findings support a potential tumor-protective role for vitamin D.
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