VITAMIN D AND PROSTATE CANCER

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The central hypothesis of this proposal is that a daily dose of vitamin D3 (4,000 IU) will result in a measurable decrease of serum PSA levels in a significant number of patients diagnosed with early stage, low-grade, low-risk prostate cancer. The safety and efficacy of a daily vitamin D3 supplement of 4,000 IU taken for twelve months in restoring circulating 25(OH)D3 levels in subjects with hypovitaminosis D will be evaluated. In addition, it will be evaluated whether a daily supplement of 4,000 IU of vitamin D3 taken for twelve months will result in a measurable and significant decrease in serum PSA levels. Completion of this study will pave the way for larger prospective studies aimed at demonstrating that, given the very slow progression of a significant proportion of prostate cancers, appropriate regimens of vitamin D would provide an excellent alternative or adjunct to watchful waiting .