Sunshine in a Pill: High-Dose Oral Vitamin D Targets Cancer Treatment Skin Toxicities, study reveals

Against the above background, Stephanie Choi and Christopher Iriarte outlined data regarding the high-dose oral vitamin D use for managing skin toxicities associated with cancer treatment, particularly toxic erythema of chemotherapy and acute radiation dermatitis.

Six patients with TEC who were treated with 50,000 to 100,000 IU of vitamin D at TEC onset and day 7 showed rapid resolution of erythema within four days. A similar regimen (100,000 IU between 1 and 3 weeks after acute radiation dermatitis onset) improved swelling, pain, and erythema within 3 to 7 days of initiation in patients with acute radiation dermatitis.

The authors suggest the use of oral ergocalciferol 100,000 IU at the start of symptoms, with a repeat dose in 7 days.

"High-dose oral vitamin D is a promising treatment option for patients with acute radiation dermatitis and TEC," the researchers wrote.

In conclusion, high-dose oral vitamin D emerges as a promising therapeutic avenue for managing skin toxicities associated with cancer treatment. As research progresses, its potential to improve patient outcomes underscores its importance in the evolving landscape of supportive oncology.

This article highlights the potential of high-dose oral vitamin D in managing cancer treatment skin toxicities, presenting it as a significant advancement in supportive care.

Reference:

Choi, S., & Iriarte, C. (2024). High-dose oral vitamin D: An emerging therapeutic for skin toxicities associated with cancer treatment. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2024.05.027