Vitamin D and Vitamin D Analogs in Cancer Treatment

Title: Vitamin D and Vitamin D Analogs in Cancer Treatment

Volume: 3 Issue: 1

Author(s): G.J.C.M. van den Bemd and G.T.G. Chang

Affiliation:

• Department of Endocrinology&Reproduction, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO BOX 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Netherlands

Abstract: The secosteroid hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) is a key player in the regulation of bone mineralization and calcium homeostasis. In addition, 1,25-(OH)2D3 has antiproliferative and prodifferentiation effects on various cells in vitro and in vivo. The growthinhibitory properties of 1,25-(OH) 2D3 could be harnessed in the treatment of cancer. However, its use as an anti-cancer drug is limited because of the calcemic effects of pharmacological doses. In an attempt to dissociate the antiproliferative and calcemic effects, numerous vitamin D3 analogs were developed. The mechanisms by which 1,25-(OH)2D3 and 1,25-(OH)2D3 analogs exert their growth-inhibitory effects are not clear but include effects on cell differentiation, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, metastases, and angiogenesis. In the current review aspects involved in the tumor suppressive activity of 1,25-(O H) 2D3 a nd 1,25-(O H) 2D3 a na logs will be a ddre sse d. The use of vita min D3 compounds, a lone or in combination with other drugs, in cancer treatment and the potential draw backs will also be discussed.

Cite this article as:

G.J.C.M. van den Bemd and G.T.G. Chang , Vitamin D and Vitamin D Analogs in Cancer Treatment, Current Drug Targets 2002; 3(1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389450023348064