Researchers Report on New Vitamin D, New Approach to HRT

Two studies introducing new treatments for breast cancer were presented at ENDO 2001, the 83rd Annual Meeting of the Endocrine Society.

One study introduced a new form of vitamin D that inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells in mice by preventing calcitriol, the hormonal form of the vitamin, from stimulating growth.. The study demonstrated for the first time that vitamin D receptor inhibitors could limit the growth of breast cancer.

"These compounds slow the growth of breast cancer cells as much as the commonly used estrogen receptor modulators do, but they also slow the growth of cancer cells which do not respond to other hormonal treatment," said Dr. Julia Barsony, researcher at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease. "Different vitamin D receptor containing cancer cells, such as melanoma, prostate, and colon cancers, also respond to these compounds."

The second study focused on a new form of hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women that researchers at CHUL Research Center believe protects the mammary gland and uterus from the stimulation by estrogens, while providing the beneficial aspects of traditional HRT on bone and lipids.

"This treatment could represent the ideal response to the most important health concerns of women at menopause, namely osteoporosis, hot flashes, and vascular disease, as well as breast and uterine cancer," said Dr. Fernand Labrie, endocrinologist and researcher at CHUL Research Center.

Other sources: Endocrine Society