Abstract

Epidemiological studies indicate that vitamin D insufficiency could have an aetiological role in various human cancers. Preclinical research indicates that the active metabolite of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)₂D₃, also known as calcitriol, or vitamin D analogues might have potential as anticancer agents because their administration has antiproliferative effects, can activate apoptotic pathways and inhibit angiogenesis. In addition, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ potentiates the anticancer effects of many cytotoxic and antiproliferative anticancer agents. Here, we outline the epidemiological, preclinical and clinical studies that support the development of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and vitamin D analogues as preventative and therapeutic anticancer agents.

Author affiliations

1. Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA.
2. Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA.

Correspondence to: Candace S. Johnson¹ Email: candace.johnson@roswellpark.org

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