We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

Low Vitamin D Predicts Aggressive Prostate Cancer

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 14 Mar 2016
Print article
Image: Histopathology photomicrograph showing prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma (the most common form of prostate cancer) Gleason pattern 4, from prostate currettings (Photo courtesy of Nephron).
Image: Histopathology photomicrograph showing prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma (the most common form of prostate cancer) Gleason pattern 4, from prostate currettings (Photo courtesy of Nephron).
Lower serum vitamin D levels have been associated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer and among men with localized prostate cancer, especially with low- or intermediate-risk disease; vitamin D may serve as an important biomarker of disease aggression.

Deficient vitamin D blood levels in men can predict aggressive prostate cancer identified at the time of surgery and this finding is important because it can offer guidance to men and their doctors who may be considering active surveillance, in which they monitor the cancer rather than remove the prostate.

A team of scientists led by those at Northwestern University (Chicago, IL, USA) assess the relationship between adverse pathology at the time of radical prostatectomy and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D) levels. The team performed a cross-sectional study carried out from 2009 to 2014, nested within a large epidemiologic study of 1,760 healthy controls and men undergoing prostate cancer screening. In total, 190 men underwent radical prostatectomy in the cohort. Adverse pathology was defined as the presence of primary Gleason 4 or any Gleason 5 disease, or extraprostatic extension. The median age in the cohort was 64.0 years.

Of that group, 87 men had aggressive prostate cancer. Those with aggressive cancer had a median level of 22.7 ng/mL of vitamin D, significantly below the normal level of more than 30 ng/mL. The average vitamin D level in Chicago during the winter is about 25 ng/mL. On multivariate analysis, controlling for age, serum prostate specific antigen, and abnormal digital rectal examination, serum 25-OH D less than 30 ng/mL was associated with increased odds of adverse pathology (odds ratio = 2.64). The relationship between vitamin D and prostate cancer may explain some disparities seen in prostate cancer, especially among African American men. Prior studies have shown that African American men who live in low sunlight locations are up to 1.5 times more likely to have vitamin D deficiency than Caucasian men.

Adam B. Murphy, MD, an assistant professor of urology and corresponding author of the study, said, “Vitamin D deficiency may predict aggressive prostate cancer as a biomarker. Men with dark skin, low vitamin D intake or low sun exposure should be tested for vitamin D deficiency when they are diagnosed with an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or prostate cancer. Then a deficiency should be corrected with supplements.” The study was published on February 22, 2016, in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Related Links:

Northwestern University 


Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
Gold Member
Real-time PCR System
GentierX3 Series

Print article

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The cobas Malaria test is the first FDA-approved molecular test to screen U.S. blood donors for malaria (Photo courtesy of Roche)

First FDA-Approved Molecular Test to Screen Blood Donors for Malaria Could Improve Patient Safety

Malaria, a serious illness that often leads to death, is spread by a specific mosquito species that infect humans with a parasite. Other transmission modes include blood transfusions, organ transplants,... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The medical office procedure detects the key biomarker in Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases (Photo courtesy of BIDMC)

Simple Skin Biopsy Test Detects Parkinson’s and Related Neurodegenerative Diseases

Parkinson's disease and a group of related neurodegenerative disorders known as synucleinopathies impact millions globally. These conditions, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.