Vitamin D and pancreatic cancer: a pooled analysis from the Pancreatic Cancer Case-Control Consortium

Ann Oncol. 2015 Aug;26(8):1776-83. doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdv236. Epub 2015 May 14.

Abstract

Background: The potential role of vitamin D in the aetiology of pancreatic cancer is unclear, with recent studies suggesting both positive and negative associations.

Patients and methods: We used data from nine case-control studies from the International Pancreatic Cancer Case-Control Consortium (PanC4) to examine associations between pancreatic cancer risk and dietary vitamin D intake. Study-specific odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression, and ORs were then pooled using a random-effects model. From a subset of four studies, we also calculated pooled estimates of association for supplementary and total vitamin D intake.

Results: Risk of pancreatic cancer increased with dietary intake of vitamin D [per 100 international units (IU)/day: OR = 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-1.19, P = 7.4 × 10(-6), P-heterogeneity = 0.52; ≥230 versus <110 IU/day: OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.10-1.55, P = 2.4 × 10(-3), P-heterogeneity = 0.81], with the association possibly stronger in people with low retinol/vitamin A intake.

Conclusion: Increased risk of pancreatic cancer was observed with higher levels of dietary vitamin D intake. Additional studies are required to determine whether or not our finding has a causal basis.

Keywords: case–control studies; pancreatic cancer; pooled analysis; vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / epidemiology*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Diabetes Mellitus / epidemiology
  • Diet / statistics & numerical data
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Odds Ratio
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Pancreatitis / epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage*
  • Vitamin D / adverse effects*
  • Vitamins / administration & dosage*
  • Vitamins / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D