Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Recent studies have pointed out a possible role of vitamin D in carcinogenesis. Vitamin D deficiency may be related to a major cancer incidence and mortality. This association would be more relevant for breast and colorectal cancer. Obesity acts as a risk factor for these type of neoplasms on which vitamin D could influence.

Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study of consecutive out-patients with newly diagnosed cancer: urological, colorectal (CRC), head and neck and ‘others’. Patients were referred to the Nutrition Unit for preoperative nutritional evaluation (fast-track protocol) during the year 2014. We assessed body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis and determined serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D,25(OH)D, levels.

Results: A total of 93 patients were evaluated: 39 had urological cancer, 25 colorectal cancer (CRC), 25 head and neck cancer and four other type.

The mean concentration of 25(OH)D was 53.8±32.3 nmol/l (95% CI=45.0–63.7). 59.6% showed vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/l) and 19.1% insufficiency (50–75 nmol/l).

There were differences in vitamin D deficiency depending on the type of cancer: head and neck 70.8%, CCR 64.0% and urological 47.0% (P<0.008).

No statistically significant associations were found between 25(OH)D levels and sex, age, smoking, BMI and fat mass. The season of blood collection significantly modified 25(OH)D concentration (P<0,030).

Conclusions: We have found a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among patients with a new diagnosis of cancer, specially for those with head and neck cancer. The use of laboratory reference values adjusted by season could avoid possible bias. The interesting link between vitamin D and cancer deserves more research.