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.