Vitamin D and bone metabolism in breast cancer patients in Karachi, Pakistan

Breast cancer is one of the common types of malignancy worldwide and in Pakistan. The heterogeneous disease itself and its complex treatment leads to various bone-affecting complications that make breast cancer patients more vulnerable to bone fractures. Vitamin D deficiency among these women worsens the condition and promotes breast cancer growth. Thus, the purpose of the study was to assess serum levels of 25- hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and bone markers in women suffering from breast cancer. Serum levels of 25OHD, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone specific ALP, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), albumin (Alb) and beta carboxyl terminal collagen crosslink (β-CTx) were analyzed in 201 histological diagnosed patient volunteers from breast cancer clinic. Vitamin D insufficiency was present among the total study population and deficiency was particularly observed among women with metastases. These patients had significantly increased serum levels of β-CTx and bone specific ALP when compared with the non-metastatic group. No significant difference was observed in other biochemical parameters. A weak correlation between serum levels of 25OHD and β-CTx was observed. Therefore, monitoring of serum levels of 25OHD and bone markers at the time of diagnosis and during the course of treatment will endeavor a better overall health status.