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Vol. 13 Issue 1, Winter 2008
By Rodney L. Page, Alexander de Lahunta Chair, Department of Clinical Sciences,
Director, Sprecher Institute for Comparative Cancer Research and BCERF
Vitamin D can affect regulation of many cellular processes associated with cancer development and therapy, including differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased incidence of certain cancers suggesting that supplementation with vitamin D may be beneficial. In addition, high-dose vitamin D has been demonstrated to enhance traditional chemotherapeutic activity. Several excellent reviews have recently been published (see below).
Investigators at Cornell’s Sprecher Institute for Comparative Cancer Research have been involved with collaborators at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in several studies employing vitamin D in spontaneously occurring cancers in animals.
The woodchuck (groundhog) is one of the few animals, other than humans, that develop liver cancer following infection with hepatitis B virus. Worldwide, morbidity and mortality due to hepatitis virus-induced liver cancer in humans is profound. Previous studies in the woodchuck model have provided numerous insights into management of this disease. Vitamin D supplementation is currently being investigated to determine whether prevention of liver cancer might be possible. High dose vitamin D studies are also ongoing to assess the potential for therapy of existing tumors. Preliminary trials have been focused on defining the metabolism of vitamin D in this model, general effects on cellular processes and how to supplement appropriately.
Pet dogs and cats that develop cancers are also being studied as a means to determine the ability of vitamin D to improve chemotherapeutic activity. A dose-ranging study has been completed to ensure that high-dose vitamin D can be safely administered to canine cancer patients receiving chemotherapy for various forms of cancers and to confirm that blood concentrations of vitamin D can be achieved to potentially improve cancer response. A follow-up study is now being planned to determine whether improvement in cancer control can be achieved.
Surprisingly, one of the only spontaneous models for ovarian cancer occurs in the domestic chicken. Hens that survive beyond 2-3 years have an increasing incidence of ovarian cancer that is similar clinically to ovarian cancer in women. In some strains, 40-50% of hens develop cancer of the ovary. This novel model is being characterized by scientists at Cornell with the intent of examining vitamin D supplementation and its effects on cancer development. (See also The Ribbon, Vol. 11, No. 2 for article, “Using the Domestic Hen as a Model for Studying Ovarian Cancer.”)
Whether vitamin D reduces cancer risk or improves cancer therapy cannot yet be confirmed but is being actively investigated at many institutions. The work being conducted at Cornell utilizes unique, valuable models of human cancer to help clarify this subject.
Recent review articles on Vitamin D
Holick, M. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. New Engl J Med 357, 266-281.
Deeb, K.K., Trump, D.L., and Johnson, C.S. (2007). Vitamin D signalling pathways in cancer: potential for anticancer therapeutics. Nat Rev Cancer 7, 684-700.
Program on Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors
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Phone: 607.254.2893; Fax: 607.254.4730
Email: breastcancer@cornell.edu
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