High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients and Its Adverse Outcome

Abstract

Background: Although several studies have supported a preventive and therapeutic role of vitamin D (Vit D) for different types of cancers, we face insufficient documentation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). So, we examined whether the serum calcidiol (25(OH)D) levels at the time of induction therapy have any impact on response and relapse in AML patients.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 65 patients on days 0 and 28th of treatment to evaluate serum concentration of 25(OH)D and its effects on complete remission (CR) achievement, relapse rate and hospitalization length.

Results: Of the 65 patients who were included in the study, 38 were male (58.5%) and 27 were female (41.5%). Median age at the time of treatment was 37 years (range 15-68). 6% of the participants were older than 60 years. In regard to 25(OH)D levels, 81.5% of AML patients were deficient (levels <20 ng/ml). There was a significant difference in CR between patients with sufficient and deficient level of 25(OH)D. Deficient patients had longer length of hospitalization than those with sufficient levels. Also Vitamin D deficient patients had higher serum ALP levels. The mean level of 25(OH)D on treatment day 28th in our study was significantly lower than the baseline value.

Conclusion: The results of the study showed that serum 25(OH)D levels deficiency was highly prevalent among Iranian AML patients. Furthermore, higher Vit D levels in AML patients were associated with better outcome in these patients.

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See also:

- Official Web Site: The Di Bella Method;

- The Di Bella Method (A Fixed Part - Dihydrotachysterol, Alfacalcidol, synthetic Vitamin D3);

- Vitamin D (analogues and/or derivatives) and cancer - In vitro, review and in vivo publications;

- The Di Bella Method (A Fixed Part - Calcium, 2 grams per day, orally);

- The Di Bella Method (A Fixed Part - Cyclophosphamide 50mg tablets and/or Hydroxyurea 500mg tablets, one or two per day);

- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Long-Lasting Remission with Combination of Cyclophosphamide, Somatostatin, Bromocriptine, Retinoids, Melatonin, and ACTH;

- Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme (grade IV – WHO 2007): a case of complete objective response achieved by means of the concomitant administration of Somatostatin and Octreotide – Retinoids – Vitamin E – Vitamin D3 – Vitamin C – Melatonin – D2 R agonists (Di Bella Method – DBM) associated with Temozolomide;

- The Di Bella Method DBM improved survival objective response and performance status in a retrospective observational clinical study on 23 tumours of the head and neck;

- Neuroblastoma: Complete objective response to biological treatment;

- Cyclophosphamide plus Somatostatin, Bromocriptin, Retinoids, Melatonin and ACTH in the Treatment of Low-grade Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas at Advanced Stage: Results of a Phase II Trial;

- Relapse of High-Grade Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma After Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation: A Case Successfully Treated With Cyclophosphamide Plus Somatostatin, Bromocriptine, Melatonin, Retinoids, and ACTH;

- Low-grade Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma at Advanced Stage: A Case Successfully Treated With Cyclophosphamide Plus Somatostatin, Bromocriptine, Retinoids, and Melatonin;

- The Di Bella Method (DBM) improved survival, objective response and performance status in a retrospective observational clinical study on 55 cases of Lymphomas;

- Large B-cells Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Stage IV-AE: a Case Report;

- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Stage III-B-E: a Case Report;

- Oesophageal squamocellular carcinoma: a complete and objective response.