Levels and signifi cance of vitamin D in patients with malignant lymphomas
Authors:
A. Janíková 1,2; M. Hájek 2; P. Blahovcová 3; M. Tomíška 1,2; D. Valík 4; N. Kopálová 5
Published in:
Transfuze Hematol. dnes,31, 2025, No. 1, p. 19-26.
Category:
Original Papers
doi:
https://doi.org/10.48095/cctahd2025prolekare.cz3
Overview
Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with worse prognosis in several diseases. In our study, we analysed vitamin D levels in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) in the Czech Republic. Methods: A retrospective analysis of newly diagnosed patients who had their plasma levels of vitamin D, selected micronutrients (selenium, zinc), albumin, and IgG measured before initiating treatment. The analysis included the association of vitamin D with demographic, clinical, and selected laboratory parameters, as well as the impact of vitamin D deficiency on survival. Results: A total of 1,196 patients were analysed (median age 65 years, 49.5% male). The median vitamin D concentration was 43.5 nmol/L. Vitamin D deficiency (≤ 50 nmol/L) was observed in 717/1,196 patients (59.9%), while only 14.1% had normal levels (≥ 75 nmol/L). The median follow-up period was 3.9 years. Female gender (P < 0.000001), poor performance status (PS ≥ 2; P < 0.0001), elevated LDH levels (P = 0.0063), and hypoalbuminemia (P < 0.000001) were associated with vitamin D deficiency. Significantly lower vitamin D levels were observed in aggressive lymphomas (P = 0.000002). In diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, vitamin D deficiency correlated with shorter progression-free survival and overall survival (5.16 years vs. not reached and 8.9 years vs. not reached; P < 0.01). For follicular lymphoma, there was no difference in progression-free survival; however, 5-year overall survival was 80% vs. 95% (P = 0.0007). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency prior to treatment is a concern for the majority of patients with NHL. It is associated with other negative prognostic factors (hypoalbuminemia, elevated LDH, poorer clinical status) and with shorter survival.
Keywords:
Prognosis – Lymphomas – immune system – survival – vitamin D
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