Quick Reference
Gabriel K. LaStella A. Adjunctive calcitriol in breast and cervical cancer: pharmacologic insights and emerging clinical evidence. J Scrip Pharm. Published online July 31, 2025. doi: 10.70390/ekkee8r5

Adjunctive Calcitriol in Breast and Cervical Cancer: Pharmacologic Insights and Emerging Clinical Evidence
Abstract
DOI: 10.70390/ekkee8r5
Vitamin D has gained substantial interest for its dual role in cancer prevention and treatment, particularly in hormone-sensitive malignancies such as breast and cervical cancers. This review synthesizes current evidence on the molecular mechanisms by which vitamin D modulates cancer biology, ranging from transcriptional regulation and immune modulation to interference with autophagy and tumor-promoting inflammation. Epidemiological data suggest an inverse relationship between vitamin D status and cancer incidence, while preclinical studies support its capacity to sensitize tumors to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In cervical cancer, vitamin D may suppress HPV oncogene expression and enhance innate immune clearance, while in breast cancer, it appears to reprogram the tumor microenvironment through Th17 suppression and Treg induction. Additionally, vitamin D shows potential as an onco-adjuvant by enhancing the efficacy of standard therapies and reducing required dosages without compromising efficacy. These findings support a comprehensive role for vitamin D as both a preventive and adjunctive therapeutic agent, with future applications likely to benefit from individualized dosing strategies based on receptor status and baseline vitamin D levels.