Skin Cancer Blog

It is well known that vitamin D can be effective in the prevention of skin cancer, but the synthesis of vitamin D requires ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is a known risk factor for melanoma. A new study investigated the correlations between serum vitamin D levels and risk and prognosis of melanoma.

Twenty-five studies with a total of 11,166 patients were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in serum vitamin D levels between patients with melanoma and controls [standardized mean difference (SMD), −0.185; 95% confidence interval (CI), −0.533 to 0.162].

However, the study found that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in patients with melanoma than that in controls (odds ratio, 2.115; 95% CI, 1.151–3.885).

In terms of prognosis, serum vitamin D levels were significantly higher in melanoma patients with lower Breslow thickness (≦1 vs. >1 mm: SMD, 0.243; 95% CI, 0.160–0.327).

Moreover, melanoma patients with lower vitamin D levels had a significantly higher mortality rate (hazard ratio, 1.558; 95% CI, 1.258–1.931).

The study concluded that vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher Breslow thickness and mortality in melanoma patients.

---

Learn more about skin cancer medicine in primary care at the next Skin Cancer Certificate Courses.

Read more recent research.

Source: https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(20)30623-X/fulltext