Analysis of vitamin D supplementation impact on carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in stage I-III colorectal cancer

Background: Colorectal cancer is a globally prevalent and highly lethal malignancy. While vitamin D supplementation may impact cancer risk, its precise effect remains unclear, especially in patients with early-stage III colorectal cancer. This research aimed to enhance our understanding of the potential advantages of vitamin D in colorectal cancer treatment in Indonesia. Methods: This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted from September 2022 to November 2023 at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital's Surgical Polyclinic (RSCM). Inclusion criteria encompass individuals aged 18 and above, diagnosed with stage I-III colorectal cancer, and without a history of surgical or chemotherapeutic colorectal cancer treatment. Exclusion criteria entail patients with a Karnofsky score below 60%, smokers, individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, and those diagnosed with malignancies other than colorectal carcinoma. Results: The mean vitamin D level in all subjects before the intervention was 16.66 +/- 6.23 ng/mL. The median pre intervention CEA level stood at 4.70 (min-max 1.30-59.40). There was a notable change in CEA levels within the experimental group (median delta CEA: -0.20), and the response to vitamin D supplementation exhibited variations depending on the degree of cancer cell differentiation. Conclusion: The outcomes of this study indicate that vitamin D supplementation can significantly reduce CEA levels in patients with stage I-III colorectal cancer who have not received prior medical treatment.