Associations Between Cholecalciferol Supplementation and Self-Reported Symptoms Among Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer and Vitamin D Deficiency: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the potential effect of cholecalciferol supplementation to reduce symptom burden for women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

SAMPLE & SETTING: 11 clinically stable women with estrogen receptor-positive MBC were recruited from a single cancer center for this phase 1, nonrandomized study (NCT02186015).

METHODS & VARIABLES: Women with insufficient serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels qualified to receive high-dose repletion therapy. Clinical and questionnaire data on common symptoms and quality of life were obtained prior to and following supplementation.

RESULTS

Serum 25(OH)D increased significantly pre- versus postintervention. Trends for improvements in endocrine symptoms, bone pain, and fatigue were observed following the intervention.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Women achieved normal serum 25(OH)D levels after eight weeks of supplementation and reported reduced symptom burden. Vitamin D may be a low-cost supportive care therapy; however, future studies should be considered.