RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Patients with Vulvar Cancer JF Anticancer Research JO Anticancer Res FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 265 OP 270 VO 32 IS 1 A1 DARIUS SALEHIN A1 CHRISTINA HAUGK A1 MARC THILL A1 TIM CORDES A1 DANIELA HORNUNG A1 ANDRE ABU-HECHLE A1 BERNHARD HEMMERLEIN A1 MICHAEL FRIEDRICH YR 2012 UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/32/1/265.abstract AB Background: The anticarcinogenic potential of vitamin D 25(OH)D has been attributed to the inhibition of proliferation of cells from different carcinomas. Reduced serum levels of 25(OH)D are associated with an increased incidence of various types of cancer. The influence of serum 25(OH)D on the incidence and outcome of patients with vulvar cancer is unknown. Patients and Methods: The serum 25(OH)D levels in 24 patients with vulvar cancer and 24 age-matched cancer-free patients was investigated. The blood samples were collected between October 2009 and September 2010 and time of blood collection of each patient and control was matched to avoid seasonal variations between the pairs. Results: The median 25(OH)D serum levels in the under 50 year old group of patients were significantly lower in the vulvar cancer group than the controls. The younger cancer group also had an age-related trend of lower median serum level than the older population. In the control population the trend was viceversa, yet this finding was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Serum 25(OH)D has a possible role in the pathogenesis and progression of vulvar cancer, but further investigations of the association of vitamin D and vulvar cancer as well as regarding its influence on patient survival and quality of life are warranted in the future.