Calcitrol, the active form of vitamin D, can induce a tumor-suppressing protein that can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.
Previous research had determined that increased serum levels of vitamin D are associated with an improved diagnosis in patients with breast cancer. However, little had been known about the factors that determine the effect of calcitrol on inhibiting breast cancer growth.
During the study, researchers examined the protein involved in the action that can reduce the growth of vitamin D in breast cancer cells. The research could provide a basis for the design of new cancer treatments.