|
Women with breast cancer are twice as likely to have a fault in the gene required to make use of vitamin D. Experts already believe vitamin D protects against breast cancer and in some forms may even be used to shrink existing tumors.
Now research in London suggests that women with genetic variations (polymorphisms) of the vitamin D receptor gene may be less able to benefit from this protective effect.
Researchers said the study added to the increasing evidence for a role of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in the cancer disease process.
While vitamin D and its analogues are being developed as preventative and/or treatment agents in breast cancer, the assessment of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms may be vital in the identification of at-risk groups and strategies for targeting and intervention.
She stressed that a screening test was not worthwhile in the present state of knowledge and that women should not suddenly start taking lots of vitamin D tablets.
There has been a great deal of research into vitamin D and its effects on cancer, and some potential new cancer treatments are based on vitamin D. This study is very important because it may help us identify more women who are at risk from breast cancer and gives us more clues on how to treat them.
British Journal of Cancer 2001;85:171-175
| 