The beneficial role of vitamin D and its analogs in cancer treatment and prevention

BackgroundCancer is the leading cause of death in the United States, and the probability of developing cancer increases dramatically with age. Interestingly, vitamin D deficiency is also recognized more often in people of advanced ages. A potential relationship between vitamin D deficiency and cancer has been reported in the literature.MethodReview Medline database literature and discuss the relationship between vitamin D status and cancer.ResultsEnvironmental (including seasonal and geographic) and genetic factors contribute to the development of both vitamin D deficiency and cancer. The vitamin D receptor is present in many tissues, especially in malignant cells, and may contribute to the successful use of vitamin D and its analogs in the treatment of some cancer patients.ConclusionFurther investigation of the role of vitamin D in the treatment of cancer is warranted.