Skin cancer and vitamin D: an update

Candy Wyatt, Rachel E Neale, Robyn Lucas

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Exposure of the skin to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation has both risks and benefits for human health. Absorption of UV-B radiation by DNA results in mutations that underlie the development of skin cancers, as is apparent from genetic studies showing high occurrence of UV signature mutations within these tumors. UV-B radiation is also absorbed by 7-dehydrocholesterol to initiate vitamin D synthesis. In experimental studies vitamin D metabolites enhance apoptosis of malignant cells, inhibit angiogenesis and proliferation and increase differentiation, potentially reducing skin cancer development and improving prognosis after diagnosis. There are some supporting human data. We review the links between sun exposure, vitamin D and skin cancers.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)51-61pp
    JournalMelanoma Management
    Volume2
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2015

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