The Significance of Vitamin D Status in Breast Cancer: A State of the Science Review

Abstract

The potential role of vitamin D in the development of breast cancer has been the subject of considerable interest. Laboratory and genetic studies demonstrate promising anticarcinogenic effects of vitamin D. However, inconsistencies persist in results of human studies that have assessed vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of primary and secondary cancers. Despite these discrepancies, screening for vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D supplementation have increased dramatically in the past decade. No official institutional guidelines recommend vitamin D supplementation for cancer prevention, and yet these newly adopted practice norms have outpaced rigorous scientific study. Higher circulating levels of vitamin D [25-hydroxyvitamin D, or 25(OH)D] appear to be associated with reduced risk and improved survivorship of certain malignancies. However, the association has not been found for all cancers. This state of the science review examines the association between vitamin D supplementation, circulating 25(OH)D level, vitamin D receptor polymorphisms, and the risk and mortality of breast cancer. The review addresses the role of supplementation and optimal 25(OH)D levels.

Vitamin D status in breast cancer cases following chemotherapy: A pre and post observational study in a tertiary hospital in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

“…One way to maintain and improve vitamin D sufficiency was through supplementation [53]. Nevertheless, it is essential to provide vitamin D supplementation in adequate dosage to avoid ineffective treatment due to unmet therapeutic dose [54] or toxicity due to excess dosage [15]. The low mean vitamin D concentration observed in our study suggests that a higher dose of vitamin D supplementation might be necessary.…”

“…Chemotherapy regimens such as anthracycline, cyclophosphamide, and taxane are known to cause gonad toxicity and resting oocytes destruction, reducing estrogen expression and increasing vitamin D catabolism [13,14]. Additionally, concomitant effects of chemotherapy were associated with reduced sun exposure, physical activity, and diet limitation, further adding to the low vitamin D level [15,16].…”

The correlation between serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels and anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD IgG and neutralizing antibody levels among cancer patients receiving COVID-19 vaccines

“…The recommended daily dose of vitamin D 3 among cancer patients has not been established ( 88 ). The Endocrine Society’s Clinical Practice Guideline recommends 1,500–2,000 IU per day for all healthy adults to keep 25(OH)D levels above the optimal level of 30 ng/mL ( 38 , 88 – 90 ). The 2011 US Institute of Medicine suggested a dose of 600 IU per day for adults aged up to 70 years and 800 IU per day for older adults.…”

Calcitriol promotes M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages in 4T1 mouse mammary gland cancer via the induction of proinflammatory cytokines

“…These mice were subjected to varying levels of VD 3 in their diet and treated with or without calcitriol 26 . Considering the prevalent VD 3 deficiency among BC patients 30 , our experimental approach aimed to assess not only the impact of deficient or excessive 25(OH)D 3 levels in plasma on mammary gland tumor development in mice but also whether administering calcitriol to an organism deficient in VD 3 would yield the same effects as administering calcitriol to the body with normal levels of this vitamin 26 . We analyzed the phenotype of TAMs isolated from 4T1, 67NR, and E0771 tumors and examined the expression of genes associated with macrophage characteristics and VD 3 action.…”