Vitamins and Micronutrients in Cancer

Dear Colleagues,

While much evidence exists that certain broad dietary patterns affect cancer risk, evidence remains largely equivocal about the preventive role of specific vitamins and micronutrients and if there are differences in effect by cancer type. Advancement in these research domains could inform prevention strategies, particularly among those at higher risk (e.g., familial cancer syndromes, former smokers). Notably, however, a chemoprevention trial of Vitamin A supplementation reported an increased risk for lung cancer among those exposed to asbestos, which stood in contrast to evidence from observational and pre-clinical studies. This result created long-term biological reassessment of micronutrient-based chemoprevention with interest resuming in recent years. Due to the complexities of carcinogenesis, additional research needs include a greater understanding of gene–environment risk (e.g., modifying role of the Vitamin D receptor); vitamin supplementation on pre-malignant lesions; and disparities in intake.

Another topic requiring scientific advancement is vitamin intake post-diagnosis. Emerging observational and clinical trial evidence suggests that vitamin supplementation might enhance survival as well as the effectiveness of specific chemotherapies. Also understudied is the modifying impact of dietary pattern (e.g., pro-inflammatory diet, tendency of poor nutrition in patients under treatment) and social barriers (e.g., food insecurity) on the relationship between vitamin intake and improved outcomes.

Dr. Helen Swede
Dr. Heather Ochs-Balcom
Guest Editors

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