In:
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Wiley, Vol. 28, No. 3 ( 2014-03), p. 298-308
Abstract:
Merkel cell polyomavirus has been recognized to be associated with Merkel cell carcinoma ( MCC ), but the evolution of this cancer probably depends on various factors. Vitamin D deficiency, defined by serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels 〈 50 nmol/L, seems to influence cancer behavior and progression, but has never been assessed in MCC patients. Objectives First, to evaluate whether vitamin D deficiency was associated with tumor characteristics and prognosis in a cohort of MCC patients. Second, to assess expression of the vitamin D receptor ( VDR ) in MCC tumors. Methods Clinical findings, Merkel cell polyomavirus markers and vitamin D status were assessed in a cohort of French MCC patients. The study was limited to the 89 patients for whom the serum sample had been collected within 3 years after the diagnosis of MCC . Correlation between vitamin D deficiency and MCC characteristics and outcome were determined in regression analyses. VDR expression in MCC tumours was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results Vitamin D deficiency was noted in 65.1% of the patients and was independently associated with greater tumor size at diagnosis ( P = 0.006) and with metastasis recurrence ( HR , 2.89; 95% CI , 1.03 to 8.13; P = 0.043), but not with death from MCC , although there was a trend ( HR , 5.28; 95% CI , 0.75 to 36.96; P = 0.093). VDR was found to be strongly expressed in all 28 MCC tumor specimens investigated. Conclusion The association between vitamin D deficiency and MCC characteristics and outcome, together with detection of the VDR in MCC cells, suggest that vitamin D could influence the biology of MCC .
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0926-9959
,
1468-3083
DOI:
10.1111/jdv.2014.28.issue-3
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2014
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2022088-1
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