Vitamin D: Cancer and differentiation

This chapter provides an overview of the history and the current state of knowledge regarding the role of vitamin D in tumor cell growth regulation, treatment of cancer and development of potent synthetic vitamin D analogs. It addresses the recent developments in studies of vitamin D and cancer, regulation of tumor cells, possible mechanisms, and clinical applications. Based on this understanding, it indicates that the data obtained so far, on the distribution of the VDR in a broad range of tumors and the inhibition of cancer cell growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, inflammation, and PTHrP synthesis as well as the stimulation of differentiation and apoptosis by 1,25(OH)2D3, all hold promise for the development of treatment strategies based on vitamin D3 use in a wide range of cancers. Combination of vitamin D3 with other antitumor drugs, hormones, or growth factors is an important additional therapeutic option. The clinical application is enhanced by the development of 1,25(OH)2D3 analogs with potent growth-inhibitory actions and reduced hypercalcemic activity. Nevertheless it is crucial for the coming years to deliver strong clinical trials to support the potential of vitamin D in cancer treatment uncovered by investigation of cultured cells, animal models, and epidemiological studies.

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