Newly-identified Pathways Relating Vitamin D to Carcinogenesis: A Review

Background: The epidemiological relationship between vitamin D levels and cancer has been thoroughly investigated. Published data from large studies appear to corroborate a significant relationship between higher serum vitamin D concentrations and improved survival. Mechanistic reviews on commonly-studied cancers - including breast cancer, colon cancer and melanoma - focus predominantly on data from older studies. In outlining avenues for future research, we believe there is utility in summarizing novel findings introduced to the literature. Materials and Methods: In this narrative review, we used MEDLINE, PUBMED and Cochrane databases to identify mechanistic studies published from January 1, 2015 onwards exploring this topic. Results: Twenty-five mechanistic studies were included in this review. It was found that vitamin D plays a critical role in both direct (i.e. tumor gene expression, proliferation, invasiveness, sensitivity to chemotherapy etc.) and indirect (i.e. effects on the tumor microenvironment and immunomodulation) tumor suppression mechanisms. Conclusion: These newly-identified pathways warrant further research, with the hopes that we may understand how and when vitamin D supplementation can be integrated into precision medicine therapeutics for cancers of the breast, colon and skin. Cancer care providers should consider recommendations to screen for vitamin D deficiency in this population.

Automated summary

Studies have shown that vitamin D plays a critical role in tumor suppression mechanisms, affecting tumor gene expression, invasiveness, and sensitivity to chemotherapy. These newly-identified pathways are of interest for further research to explore the role of vitamin D supplementation in precision treatment for breast, colon, and skin cancers.