HealthCert 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