Roswell Park Researchers Examine Vitamin D Levels In Colorectal Cancer Patients

Main Category: Colorectal Cancer
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology;  Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
Article Date: 23 Apr 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Genetic changes may predict the response of vitamin D based chemoprevention and therapy, according to scientists at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI). The research led by Josephia R. Muindi, MD, Department of Medicine, RPCI, will be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 100th Annual Meeting 2009, April 18 - 22 in Denver, CO.

Colorectal cancer is the most common gastrointestinal cancer diagnosed in the United States. Epidemiological studies indicate a vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal polyps and cancer. Vitamin D levels were measured in 50 colorectal cancer patients receiving 2000 International Units (IU) of vitamin D supplements daily, before and at various times during a one year study. Genes that could potentially modify vitamin metabolism also were monitored.

RPCI researchers found widespread vitamin D deficiency in colorectal cancer patients and substantial variations of vitamin D levels at the beginning of the study and in follow-up tests after supplementation. Scientists also identified a genetic change in the vitamin D binding protein (rs4588 SNP in DBP gene) which may explain some of the variations in vitamin D deficiency among colorectal cancer patients.

While vitamin D supplements increased levels in all patients, the rate of increase was slower in patients on active cancer chemotherapy when compared to patients not on chemotherapy.

"Genetic changes in the vitamin D metabolizing proteins may help to explain, in part, vitamin D deficiency in colorectal cancer patients," said Dr. Muindi.

Co-investigator on the study, Marwan Fakih, MD, Department of Medicine, RPCI, added, "By understanding the genes that regulate vitamin D absorption, we hope to improve patients' response to vitamin D based prevention programs and treatment regimens."

Source
Roswell Park Cancer Institute