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

The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, revealed that high-dose oral vitamin D is an emerging, safe therapeutic option for both toxic erythema of chemotherapy (TEC) and acute radiation dermatitis.

Skin toxicities, ranging from rashes to severe dermatitis, are common adversities in cancer treatment, impacting quality of life and treatment adherence. Traditional approaches have focused on topical treatments and systemic medications, but researchers are increasingly exploring the role of vitamin D in mitigating these effects.

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in skin health and immune modulation. High doses are hypothesized to enhance skin resilience during cancer treatment, potentially reducing the severity and duration of toxicities.

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