Vitamin D in childhood cancer: a promising anticancer agent?

ABSTRACT

Children diagnosed and treated for cancer are vulnerable to Vitamin D deficiency depending on many factors. The Vitamin D status in children with cancer has been mostly regarded as a contributory factor for skeletal pathologies so far. However, the calcitriol was found to promote cell differentiation, inhibit malignant proliferation, and exhibit antiinflammatory, proapoptotic and antiangiogenic properties. In addition to this, numerous epidemiological studies link Vitamin D and cancer and indicate to possible role of Vitamin D in cancer pathogenesis and progression. This article aims to provide an overview of the possible role of Vitamin D deficiency in childhood cancer in terms of prevention and treatment.