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Vitamin D deficiency in prostate cancer: Prevalence in a sun-rich climate and influence of androgen deprivation therapy

Published on Friday, 25 July 2025

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with prostate cancer, particularly in ethnic minorities. Patients with prostate cancer may still be deficient even in areas of high sun exposure. Although androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is well documented to affect bone health, its impact on vitamin D levels is still uncertain. This study investigates the subgroups of prostate cancer patients most associated with vitamin D deficiency and ADT's relation to this.

Aim: To examine how prevalent vitamin D deficiency is among prostate cancer patients in a sun-rich environment, with focus on differences by race and disease stage. It also assessed whether ADT is associated with changes in vitamin D levels.

Methods: Prostate cancer patients treated at Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center between 2014-2024 were retrospectively studied with regards to vitamin D levels across racial groups, disease stages, and ADT exposure. Changes in vitamin D levels pre- and post-ADT over 24 months were assessed by statistical methods including paired t-tests.

Results: Among 120 patients (mean age: 74 years, mean body mass index: 27.6 kg/m²), African American (33.3%) and Hispanic (31.8%) patients had the greatest prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL). With a 28.6% deficit rate, metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer had the highest prevalence rates of deficiency. There was no significant difference between pre- and post-ADT vitamin D levels (P = 0.45).

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is common in prostate cancer patients, especially racial minorities and those with advanced disease, despite residing in an area with high sun exposure. ADT does not significantly impact vitamin D levels in the short term. Routine screening and supplementation should be considered in these high-risk groups.

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About this publication.

The Di Bella's Method: Use of Vitamin D analogues and/or derivatives (together with others chemical compounds) in Prostate Cancer:

- The Di Bella Method (DBM) in the treatment of prostate cancer: a preliminary retrospective study of 16 patients and a review of the literature;

- 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's Method: Use of Vitamin D analogues and/or derivatives - together with others chemical compounds - in several Oncological Pathologies:

- A retrospective observational study on cases of Osteosarcomas treated with a multitherapy: The rationale and effectiveness;

- A Retrospective Observational Study on Cases of Sarcoma Treated with the Di Bella Method: Rationale and Effectiveness;

- Congenital fibrosarcoma in complete remission with Somatostatin, Retinoids, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Melatonin, Calcium, Chondroitin sulfate associated with low doses of Cyclophosphamide in a 14-year Follow Up;

- A retrospective observational clinical study of triple negative breast cancer cases treated with Di Bella Method: A preliminary data;

- The Synergism of Somatostatin, Melatonin, Vitamins Prolactin and Estrogen Inhibitors Increased Survival, Objective Response and Performance Status In 297 Cases of Breast Cancer;

- Complete objective response, stable for 5 years, with the Di Bella Method, of multiple-metastatic carcinoma of the breast;

- Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the first-line treatment with somatostatin combined with melatonin, retinoids, vitamin D3, and low doses of cyclophosphamide in 20 cases of breast cancer: a preliminary report;

- The Di Bella Method (DBM) improved survival, objective response and performance status in a retrospective observational clinical study on 122 cases of breast cancer;

- Complete objective response to biological therapy of plurifocal breast carcinoma;

- A retrospective observational study on cases of anaplastic brain tumors treated with the Di Bella Method: A rationale and effectiveness;

- 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;