Key Points
• Conclusion/Relevance: “Rapidly growing cells of the immune system as well as those of malignant tumors rely on comparable genes and pathways, some of which are modulated by vitamin D. Accordingly, vitamin D has anti-cancer effects both directly via controlling the differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis of neoplastic cells as well as indirectly through regulating immune cells that belong to the microenvironment of malignant tumors. This review discusses effects of vitamin D on the epigenome and transcriptome of stromal and tumor cells, inter-individual variations in vitamin D responsiveness and their relation to the prevention and possible therapy of cancer.”
• Low vitamin D levels increase the risk for prostate, colon, and breast cancers, as well as leukemia.
• Various in vitro studies have demonstrated that vitamin D could protect against prostate cancer, as well as breast cancer and lymphoma/leukemia.