Vitamin D Status Screening and Supplementation May be Needed Among Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Bisphosphonate Therapy

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Vitamin D Status Screening and Supplementation May be Needed Among

Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Bisphosphonate Therapy

http://www.vitasearch.com/CP/weeklyupdates/

Reference: " Evaluation of Vitamin D Deficiency in Breast Cancer

Patients on Bisphosphonates, " Wang-Gillam A, Hutchins LF, et al,

Oncologist, 2008 Jul 9; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Washington

University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA).

Summary: In a retrospective study involving data from 209 breast cancer

patients treated with bisphosphonates (for osteoporosis or metastatic

bone disease), 27% (n=57) were found to have serum 25(OH)D levels below

20 ng/ml. Only 3.8% were found to be receiving more than 600 IU/d

vitamin D; 41% received 400-600 IU/d. These results highlight the

importance of screening for vitamin D deficiency among breast cancer

patients with metastatic bone disease or osteoporosis who are receiving

bisphosphonates. The authors point out that, " …unfavorable outcomes can

occur when they [bisphosphonates] are given to patients with occult

vitamin D deficiency. " The authors conclude, " Clear guidelines for the

diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency in cancer patients would be extremely

beneficial to have, as would identification of the proper dose of

vitamin D supplementation. We recommend 1,000 IU daily to our metastatic

cancer patients. "

--

ne Holden, MS, RD

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