PURPOSE: Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels have been linked to both cancer incidence and poor prognosis. The frequency of 25(OH)D tests and clinical factors associated with low levels in cancer patients are unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Electronic medical records from 2006 to 2007 of 39,252 adult solid tumor patients were reviewed. Data included demographics, cancer sites (primary and metastatic), and first serum 25(OH)D level during the study period. Laboratory data, comorbidities, selected medications, and anticancer treatment within the prior 2 months were recorded. Data were compared between (1) those tested and not tested and (2) 25(OH)D levels≤10 ng/ml (deficient), 11-30 ng/ml (insufficient), and ≥31 ng/ml (sufficient). Stepwise logistic regression identified independent predictors of low serum 25(OH)D levels. RESULTS: The cohort was 86% Caucasian and 48% female with a mean age of 63±14 years (mean±SD). The most prevalent cancer was breast (19%). In total, 2,098 (5%) had a 25(OH)D test. Of those tested, 133 (6%) had levels≤10 ng/ml and 1,311 (62%) 11-30 ng/ml. Tests were more frequent in females and in those with breast, skin, and thyroid cancers (P<0.001). Low 25(OH)D levels were associated (in univariable analyses) with male gender, non-Caucasian race, gastrointestinal tumor primary sites, metastatic disease, benign liver disease, low serum albumin, and elevated liver enzymes. Significant factors in multivariable models for 25(OH)D levels≤10 and ≤30 ng/ml included non-Caucasian race, primary cancer site, and test calendar month. Vitamin D supplements and recent antineoplastic medication were associated with sufficient levels. CONCLUSIONS: Low (deficient or insufficient) 25(OH)D serum levels were highly prevalent in people with solid tumors. Vitamin D tests were infrequent and paradoxically less often done in high-risk groups. Tests were more frequent in females and in those with breast, skin, and thyroid cancers. Further research should examine role of routine 25(OH)D tests, the clinical consequences of low levels, and therapeutic supplementation in people with cancer.
PURPOSE: Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels have been linked to both cancer incidence and poor prognosis. The frequency of 25(OH)D tests and clinical factors associated with low levels in cancerpatients are unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Electronic medical records from 2006 to 2007 of 39,252 adult solid tumorpatients were reviewed. Data included demographics, cancer sites (primary and metastatic), and first serum 25(OH)D level during the study period. Laboratory data, comorbidities, selected medications, and anticancer treatment within the prior 2 months were recorded. Data were compared between (1) those tested and not tested and (2) 25(OH)D levels≤10 ng/ml (deficient), 11-30 ng/ml (insufficient), and ≥31 ng/ml (sufficient). Stepwise logistic regression identified independent predictors of low serum 25(OH)D levels. RESULTS: The cohort was 86% Caucasian and 48% female with a mean age of 63±14 years (mean±SD). The most prevalent cancer was breast (19%). In total, 2,098 (5%) had a 25(OH)D test. Of those tested, 133 (6%) had levels≤10 ng/ml and 1,311 (62%) 11-30 ng/ml. Tests were more frequent in females and in those with breast, skin, and thyroid cancers (P<0.001). Low 25(OH)D levels were associated (in univariable analyses) with male gender, non-Caucasian race, gastrointestinal tumor primary sites, metastatic disease, benign liver disease, low serum albumin, and elevated liver enzymes. Significant factors in multivariable models for 25(OH)D levels≤10 and ≤30 ng/ml included non-Caucasian race, primary cancer site, and test calendar month. Vitamin D supplements and recent antineoplastic medication were associated with sufficient levels. CONCLUSIONS: Low (deficient or insufficient) 25(OH)D serum levels were highly prevalent in people with solid tumors. Vitamin D tests were infrequent and paradoxically less often done in high-risk groups. Tests were more frequent in females and in those with breast, skin, and thyroid cancers. Further research should examine role of routine 25(OH)D tests, the clinical consequences of low levels, and therapeutic supplementation in people with cancer.
Authors: K Brock; W-Y Huang; D R Fraser; L Ke; M Tseng; R Stolzenberg-Solomon; U Peters; J Ahn; M Purdue; R S Mason; C McCarty; R G Ziegler; B Graubard Journal: J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol Date: 2010-04-22 Impact factor: 4.292
Authors: Michael Berk; Kerrie M Sanders; Julie A Pasco; Felice N Jacka; Lana J Williams; Amanda L Hayles; Seetal Dodd Journal: Med Hypotheses Date: 2007-05-11 Impact factor: 1.538
Authors: Kana Wu; Diane Feskanich; Charles S Fuchs; Walter C Willett; Bruce W Hollis; Edward L Giovannucci Journal: J Natl Cancer Inst Date: 2007-07-10 Impact factor: 13.506
Authors: Hee Jeong Kim; Yu Mi Lee; Beon Seok Ko; Jong Won Lee; Jong Han Yu; Byung Ho Son; Gyung-Yub Gong; Sung Bae Kim; Sei Hyun Ahn Journal: Ann Surg Oncol Date: 2010-12-14 Impact factor: 5.344
Authors: Peter Bergman; Susanne Sperneder; Jonas Höijer; Jenny Bergqvist; Linda Björkhem-Bergman Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-05-27 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Anna A Brożyna; Cezary Jochymski; Zorica Janjetovic; Wojciech Jóźwicki; Robert C Tuckey; Andrzej T Slominski Journal: Int J Mol Sci Date: 2014-10-20 Impact factor: 5.923