Outcome
    Moderate Evidence

    Vitamin D for Tumor Response Rate

    Vitamin D has survival signals in some analyses but no effect on tumour response.

    Overview

    Vitamin D has survival signals in some analyses but no effect on tumour response.

    Verdict

    Insufficient evidence

    How It Works

    Regulates cell differentiation, proliferation and immune surveillance.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    Correct deficiency under oncology guidance
    Expected timeframe
    n/a

    Protocol

    form
    Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) with a fat-containing meal; oncology dosing is a medical decision
    duration
    Oncology trials ran through chemotherapy courses
    co factor
    Evidence is insufficient. Calcitriol has antiproliferative and pro-differentiation effects on tumour cell lines, which drove decades of interest. In humans this has not translated into tumour shrinkage: the SUNSHINE trial in metastatic colorectal cancer found no significant difference in objective tumour response rate between high-dose and standard-dose vitamin D, with only a secondary progression-free survival signal, and VITAL found no reduction in cancer incidence over 5 years. No trial has shown vitamin D increases tumour response to treatment.
    titration
    Not applicable for this indication; 4,000 IU/day is the tolerable upper intake level for general use
    starting dose
    Not established as a cancer treatment. The SUNSHINE trial used a high-dose vitamin D3 loading regimen alongside chemotherapy; VITAL used 2,000 IU/day

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Meta-analyses of supplementation trials suggest a possible reduction in cancer mortality without reduced incidence, and no trial demonstrates tumour shrinkage.

    Vitamin D supplementation and cancer incidence and mortality: VITAL randomized controlled trial

    Score: 10/10
    2019
    rct
    n=25871

    Manson JE, Cook NR, Lee IM +13 more

    Vitamin D did not lower invasive cancer incidence over a median 5.3 years

    View source

    Vitamin D Supplements and Prevention of Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease (VITAL)

    Score: 9/10
    2019
    rct
    n=25871

    Manson JE, Cook NR, Lee IM

    Supplementation with vitamin D did not result in a lower incidence of major cardiovascular events than placebo.

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    Supportive, not therapeutic. Discuss with the treating team.

    Less likely to help if

    Everyone seeking tumour response - no trial supports this use.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.