Italian Researchers Find that Vitamin D Reduces Mesothelioma Cell Viability

The search for an effective treatment for malignant mesothelioma takes researchers in many different directions, with some focused on innovative technologies while others explore novel uses for familiar therapies. In the latter category, Italian researchers from the University of Turin recently found that the active form of vitamin D reduced human mesothelioma cell viability and proliferation. This remarkable finding is likely to spur further research into the application of the familiar compound by scientists around the world.

Study Examines Calcitriol’s Potential Role in Mesothelioma Treatment

Writing in the October 2020 issue of the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology, researchers from the Division of Endocrinology and the Department of Oncology describe the poor prognosis and limited treatment options currently available for patients suffering with malignant mesothelioma, as well as their research into the role of calcitriol. 

Calcitriol is the biologically active form of vitamin D, and though it has long been known to have anticancer effects in many cell types, no research had previously been done on its impact on malignant mesothelioma. The researchers set out to see what effect it would have both alone and in combination with chemotherapy drugs. 

Results Provide New Approach for Mesothelioma Treatment

The researchers found that calcitriol reduced cell viability and proliferation in human malignant pleural mesothelioma cell lines, and that when combined with the chemotherapy drug pemetrexed it improved the therapy’s inhibitory activity. The malignant pleural mesothelioma cells experienced both a shift in their mitochondrial function and their expression of respiratory chain complex subunits. 

In their conclusion, the researchers indicated that calcitriol or vitamin D derivatives may play a novel anticancer role in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma, both with and without chemotherapy. 

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, studies like these can offer real hope for effective treatment, prolonged survival and improved quality of life. For information on other resources, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.

Written by Terri Oppenheimer

Terri Heimann Oppenheimer is the head writer of our Mesothelioma.net news blog. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in English. Terri believes that knowledge is power and she is committed to sharing news about the impact of mesothelioma, the latest research and medical breakthroughs, and victims’ stories.

Learn more about and contact Terri