Past research has shown that vitamin D impacts the growth and differentiation of benign and malignant prostate cells in cell lines (in-vitro) and in animal models of prostate cancer. Recently, researchers examined serum vitamin D levels with prostate biopsy results in men with an abnormal prostate specific antigen (PSA) and/or digital rectal examination (DRE). Of the 667 men (ages 40-79 yrs), 275 were Euro-American (EA) and 273 were African-American (AA). They were undergoing their first prostate biopsy and were evaluated for serum 25-OH D status. 168 men from each group were diagnosed from their biopsy as having prostate cancer. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between 25-OH D status and incident prostate cancer, Gleason score, and tumor stage. The researchers concluded that In AA men, vitamin D deficiency was associated with increased odds of prostate cancer diagnosis on Biopsy, In both EA and AA men, severe deficiency was positively associated with higher Gleason grade and tumor stage (more aggressive prostate cancer). In a press statement, Dr. Murphy stated “Vitamin D supplementation may be a relevant strategy for preventing prostate cancer incidence and/or tumor progression in prostate cancer patients.”
Murphy AB, et al. Vitamin D deficiency predicts prostate biopsy outcomes. Clin Cancer Res. 2014 May 1;20(9):2289-99.