title: Anti-tumor effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and vitamin D analogs.
abstract: The role of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) as a regulator of cell growth and differentiation is well recognized. Currently, 1, 25-(OH)2D3 and vitamin D analogs are being evaluated for their therapeutic potential in the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders like cancer. In the present review, we will discuss several processes that might be involved in 1,25-(OH)2D3- and vitamin D analog-mediated suppression of cancer cell growth. The effects on tumor cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastases, and parathyroid hormone-related peptide secretion will be highlighted. In addition, combination therapy with other tumor effec tive drugs will be addressed. Furtermore, we will focus on the potential drawbacks and the possible side effects of vitamin D compounds in the treatment of cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: van den Bemd
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Pols
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: van Leeuwen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002117:Calcitriol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D044162:Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D019098:Telomerase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006133:Growth Substances; C470121:PTHLH protein, human; D044162:Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein; D011506:Proteins; D014807:Vitamin D; D019098:Telomerase; D002117:Calcitriol