Vitamin D levels and dietary intake among patients with benign soft tissue tumors and sarcomas

Abstract

Background: Calcitriol [1,25(OH)2D] is hypothesized to lower the risk of cancer via binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR). VDRs are also found in benign and malignant cells of mesenchymal origin. To our knowledge, vitamin D levels and dietary intake have not been previously evaluated in patients newly diagnosed with benign and malignant mesenchymal tumors.

Patients and methods: Forty-eight patients with benign soft tissue tumors and 25 patients with sarcoma had their serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], 1,25(OH)2D and parathyroid hormone levels measured, vitamin D intake scored and body mass index [BMI] calculated.

Results: Vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D level<50 nmol/l] was observed in 19% and 28% of patients with benign tumor and sarcoma, respectively.

Conclusion: Serum 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D and parathyroid hormone concentrations, BMI and daily vitamin D intake did not differ significantly between the two groups of patients. Higher vitamin D intake or UV exposure is needed to ensure that all patients achieve sufficient vitamin D levels.

Keywords: 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D; 25-Hydroxyvitamin D; benign soft tissue tumor; daily vitamin D intake; parathyroid hormone; sarcoma.