Vitamin D signalling pathways in cancer: potential for anticancer therapeutics

Epidemiological studies indicate that vitamin D insufficiency could have an aetiological role in various human cancers. Preclinical research indicates that the active metabolite of vitamin D, 1 alpha, 25( OH)(2) D-3, also known as calcitriol, or vitamin D analogues might have potential as anticancer agents because their administration has antiproliferative effects, can activate apoptotic pathways and inhibit angiogenesis. In addition, 1 alpha, 25( OH)(2) D-3 potentiates the anticancer effects of many cytotoxic and antiproliferative anticancer agents. Here, we outline the epidemiological, preclinical and clinical studies that support the development of 1 alpha, 25(OH)(2) D-3 and vitamin D analogues as preventative and therapeutic anticancer agents.