Influence of Vitamin D and Its Analogues in Type-B Lymphomas.

in Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.) by Valerio Basile, Alessandro Allegra, Herbert Ryan Marini, Massimiliano Berretta, Barbara Granata, José Freni, Domenico Puzzolo, Fabio Stagno, Paola Midiri, Valentina Urzì Brancati, Letteria Minutoli

TLDR

  • The study found that higher levels of circulating Vitamin D were associated with improved overall survival, reduced cancer-specific mortality, and better disease-free survival in patients with B-cell lymphomas.

Abstract

Lymphomas represent a heterogeneous group of blood tumors, generally divided into non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) (90% of all lymphomas) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). High-grade NHL can rapidly progress so that new strategies and potentially therapeutical options are needed. Recently, it was shown that Vitamin D (VitD) inhibits the growth of cancer cells, controls their invasion and metastasis, and strengthens the antitumor activity of various types of chemotherapeutic anticancer agents. Therefore, we reviewed the recent literature about the influence of VitD and its analogues (VDAs) on the treatment and the prognosis of B-cell lymphomas. As to the in vitro studies in different cell lines, VitD3 and VDAs enhanced the anti-proliferative efficacy of various chemotherapeutics and increased the expression of VitD receptor. In in vivo studies, blood levels of VitD were considered: higher values of plasma bioavailable VitD were correlated with better progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), while an unfavorable PFS and OS were observed in VitD deficient groups. No clinical trial was made on the analogs, thus confirming the absence of in vivo positive role of these synthetic drugs. In conclusion, higher levels of circulating VitD are related to improved OS, reduced cancer-specific mortality, and better disease-free survival. VitD and analogs showed also positive effects in in vitro studies, while only VitD was able to improve clinical parameters. Furthermore, a complex approach with plant-based diet, adequate levels for motor exercise, and/or eventual VitD supplementation could be a valuable strategy to challenge lymphomas.

Overview

  • The study reviews recent literature on the effect of Vitamin D (VitD) and its analogues (VDAs) on the treatment and prognosis of B-cell lymphomas.
  • The study aims to understand the role of VitD and its analogues in the treatment of B-cell lymphomas, particularly in terms of their anti-proliferative efficacy and impact on disease-free survival.
  • The study explores the potential benefits of a complex approach involving plant-based diet, adequate physical exercise, and/or VitD supplementation as a strategy to challenge lymphomas.

Comparative Analysis & Findings

  • In vitro studies showed that VitD3 and VDAs enhanced the anti-proliferative efficacy of various chemotherapeutics and increased the expression of VitD receptor.
  • In vivo studies found that higher blood levels of VitD were correlated with better progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), while VitD deficiency was associated with unfavorable PFS and OS.
  • In contrast, studies on the analogues found no evidence of a positive role in vivo, and no clinical trials were conducted to evaluate their effectiveness in humans.

Implications and Future Directions

  • The study suggests that higher levels of circulating VitD are related to improved overall survival, reduced cancer-specific mortality, and better disease-free survival.
  • Future research should focus on understanding the mechanisms by which VitD exerts its anti-tumor effects and exploring its potential as a therapeutic agent for lymphoma treatment.
  • A complex approach incorporating plant-based diet, regular physical exercise, and/or VitD supplementation may be a valuable strategy to challenge lymphomas and improve patient outcomes.
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