Vitamin D's secret power against colon cancer? early trial tests genetic effects
NCT ID NCT02172651
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This early-phase trial is looking at how vitamin D affects colon cancer at the genetic level. About 80 people with stage I-III colon cancer or resectable liver metastases will take either high-dose vitamin D or a placebo for 14-28 days before their scheduled surgery. Researchers will then analyze the tumor tissue to see if vitamin D changes which genes are turned on or off, especially those related to the vitamin D receptor. The goal is not to treat the cancer directly, but to understand the biological pathways involved.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could reveal how vitamin D works at the genetic level in colon cancer, potentially guiding future treatments that use vitamin D to slow or stop cancer growth.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small study focused on biological markers, not on curing or treating cancer directly. It may not show any clear benefit, and high-dose vitamin D can cause side effects like high calcium levels.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
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