Free Medical Journal - BJSTR

Abstract

#Epidemiologic studies have indicated that vitamin D might play a protective role against breast cancer. Incidence of breast cancer and mortality rate considerably vary worldwide and reveal a geographic pattern. The lowest rates of breast cancer generally occur in countries close the equator. With increasing latitude reported breast cancer incidence and mortality rates also increase. A negative correlation between available sunlight and breast cancer death rates has been shown. Because sunlight exposure is a measure of vitamin D produced in the skin, it has been hypothesized that vitamin D formed in the skin may reduce the risk of breast cancer [1-3]. Breast cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer death in women in the western world. Many studies have tried to identify the casual factors responsible for the uncontrolled growth of the tumor cells. A variety of biochemical and genetic changes have been identified in #breast carcinomas and have been found to be related to breast cancer growth. However, especially because of the heterogeneity of the disease on the clinical, biologic and genetic levels, the exact mechanism of breast cancer development and progression is still unclear. During the last 15 years, it has become evident that 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃), the biologically most active form of vitamin D₃, exerts effects on a variety of tissues which are apparently unrelated to calcium #homeostasis. 1,25(OH)₂D₃ has been shown to induce cellular differentiation and inhibit proliferation of #hematopoietic cells and cancer cells. In addition, studies with animal cancer models have shown that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ application can prolong the survival of #leukemic mice and suppress the growth of tumors of different origins including breast [4,5]. These newly discovered properties suggest a possible role of the hormone in the treatment of cancer. However, a major drawback for a clinical application is that high doses are needed.

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Vitamin D and Breast Cancer: Insights in Possible Treatment Options of Breast Cancer by M Friedrich in BJSTR