Vitamin D status and risk for malignant cutaneous melanoma: recent advances

Abstract

Cutaneous malignant melanoma, whose incidence is increasing steadily worldwide, is the result of complex interactions between individual genetic factors and environmental risk factors. Ultraviolet radiation represents the most important environmental risk factor for the development of skin cancers, including melanoma. Sun exposure and early sunburn during childhood are the principal causes of cutaneous melanoma insurgence in adults, with double the risk relative to a nonexposed population. Consequently, ultraviolet protection has long been recognized as an important measure to prevent such a malignancy. Biological and epidemiological data suggest that vitamin D status could affect the risk of cancer and play a role in cancer prevention by exerting antiproliferative effects. Solar radiations are critical for vitamin D synthesis in humans; however, uncontrolled and intensive sun exposure is dangerous to skin health and may contribute toward the development of cutaneous malignant melanoma. An optimum balance between sun protection and exposure is thus advocated. Additional research is required to confirm the preventive role of vitamin D in melanoma incidence or a positive influence on patient outcome.

Fig. 1

Food sources of vitamin D as international units (IU) per serving.

Fig. 2

Vitamin-D-related compounds at skin level. UV, ultraviolet.

Fig. 3

Systemic production of vitamin D compounds and biological effects. 1,25(OH)₂D₃, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol; 25(OH)D₃, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol.