Open AccessVitamin D deficiency and supplementation in patients with aggressive B‐cell lymphomas treated with immunochemotherapy
Author(s) -
Hohaus Stefan,
Tisi Maria Chiara,
Bellesi Silvia,
Maiolo Elena,
Alma Eleonora,
Tartaglia Germana,
Corrente Francesco,
Cuccaro Annarosa,
D'Alo' Francesco,
Basile Umberto,
Larocca Luigi Maria,
De Stefano Valerio
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
cancer medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 53
ISSN - 2045-7634
DOI - 10.1002/cam4.1166
Subject(s) - medicine , gastroenterology , vitamin d and neurology , lymphoma , vitamin d deficiency , cholecalciferol , rituximab , vitamin , diffuse large b cell lymphoma , b symptoms
Vitamin D deficiency has been reported to be a negative prognostic factor in elderly patients with aggressive B‐cell lymphomas. In vitro data suggest that vitamin D supplementation may enhance rituximab‐mediated cytotoxicity. We prospectively assessed 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25( OH )D] levels at diagnosis in a cohort of 155 patients with aggressive B‐cell lymphomas of whom 128 had diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma ( DLBCL ) not otherwise specified. 25( OH )D levels were deficient (<20 ng/mL) in 105 (67%), insufficient (20–29 ng/mL) in 32 (21%), and normal (≥30 ng/mL) in 18 (12%) patients with a seasonal variation. Patient characteristics associated with lower 25( OH )D levels were poor performance status, overweight, B‐symptoms, elevated LDH , lower albumin and hemoglobin levels. As a result of a change in practice pattern, 116 patients received vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplementation that included a loading phase with daily replacement and subsequent maintenance phase with a weekly dose of 25,000 IU until end of treatment. This resulted in a significant increase in 25( OH )D levels, with normalization in 56% of patients. We analyzed the impact of 25( OH )D levels on event‐free survival in patients treated with Rituximab‐ CHOP . 25( OH )D levels below 20 ng/mL at diagnosis and IPI were independently associated with inferior EFS . Moreover, patients with normalized 25( OH )D levels following supplementation showed better EFS than patients with persistently deficient/insufficient 25( OH )D levels. Our study provides the first evidence that achievement of normal 25( OH )D levels after vitamin D3 supplementation is associated with improved outcome in patients with DLBCL and deficient/insufficient 25( OH )D levels when receiving rituximab‐based treatment.