Vitamin D: an essential adjuvant therapeutic agent in breast cancer

• Published in: Journal of International Medical Research 2022-07, Vol.50 (7), p.3000605221113800
• Main Authors: Thabet, Romany H, Gomaa, Adel A, Matalqah, Laila M, Shalaby, Erin M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Breast cancer; Breast Neoplasms - pathology; Female; Hormones - therapeutic use; Humans; Receptors, Estrogen - metabolism; Review; Tamoxifen - therapeutic use; Vitamin D; Vitamin D - therapeutic use; Vitamin deficiency
• ISSN: 0300-0605; 1473-2300; 1473-2300
• DOI: 10.1177/03000605221113800

Low serum levels of vitamin D have been reported as a risk factor for breast cancer. This narrative review provides an update on the impact of vitamin D on hormone receptors, notably estrogen receptor subunits, and gives insights on possible therapeutic interventions to overcome breast cancer. In addition, evidence that supports the beneficial use of vitamin D as adjuvant treatment of breast cancer is summarized. Vitamin D deficiency is significantly widespread in patients with triple-negative tumors. Several studies have observed a possible modulatory effect of vitamin D or its analogues on the expression of different hormone receptors in breast cancer and increased sensitivity to tamoxifen. Vitamin D possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in patients with breast cancer, and the mechanism of action of vitamin D in patients with breast cancer is discussed. In conclusion, vitamin D appears to have a beneficial role in the prevention and management of breast cancer, however, large-scale, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the effects of vitamin D in breast cancer prevention or treatment.