Vitamin D analogs, leukemia and WAF1

Vitamin D compounds induce differentiation of human leukemic cells and have potential for the treatment of leukemia. In this review we summarize some of the basic mechanisms underlying the action of vitamin D compounds. A variety of vitamin D analogues were synthesized until now, some of which have enhanced antileukemic activity and a decreased propensity to cause hypercalcemia. Most actions of vitamin D compounds are mediated by nuclear receptors. In vivo, vitamin D binding protein interacts with free vitamin D compounds. Both in normal and leukemic cells, vitamin D compounds cause a differentiation to monocytes and macrophages. A variety of genes are regulated by vitamin D compounds. Recently, the cell cycle inhibitory gene p21/WAF-1/CIP-1 was characterized. The expression de novo of WAF-1 in blasts of acute myelogenous leukemia is an independent factor of unfavorable prognosis. In HL-60 leukemic cells treated with vitamin D analogs, WAF-1 can be induced by nano- or picomolar concentrations of vitamin D analogs and correlates with the induction of a differentiated phenotype. When vitamin D analogs are combined in-vitro with retinoids, an irreversible differentiation is observed. Clinical trials of vitamin D analogs are indicated in the situation of minimal residual disease and in combination with standard chemotherapy.