Low Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations Are Associated with Increased Risk for Melanoma and Unfavourable Prognosis

Background: Low vitamin D status (serum 25(OH) D concentration) is associated with increased incidence and unfavourable outcome of various types of cancer. However, there are limited data on influence of serum 25(OH) D on risk and prognosis of malignant melanoma. Methods: Basal serum 25(OH) D concentrations were retrospectively analyzed in a cohort of melanoma patients (n=324) and healthy controls (n=141). We tested the hypothesis that serum 25(OH) D concentrations are predictive of melanoma risk, thickness of primary melanomas, and overall survival (OS). Results: Median serum 25(OH) D concentrations were significantly lower (p=0.004) in melanoma patients (median=13.6 ng/ml) as compared to controls (median=15.6 ng/ml). Primary tumors of patients with low serum 25(OH) D concentrations (, 10 ng/ml) had significantly (p=0.006) greater Breslow thickness (median: 1.9 mm) as compared to patients with higher levels (>20 ng/ml; median: 1.00 mm). Patients with 25(OH) D serum concentrations in the lowest quartile had inferior overall survival (median: 80 months) comparing with the highest quartile (median: 195 months; p=0.049). Conclusions: Our data support the concept that serum 25(OH) D concentrations are associated with risk and prognosis of melanoma. Whether normalizing serum 25(OH) D concentrations in these patients improves outcomes will require testing in future clinical trials.