University Hospitals Logo It has been estimated that the year 2010 will have approximately 16,640 individuals in the United States with esophageal cancer. Physicians from the University Hospitals (UH) Case Medical Center are apparently analyzing the benefits of vitamin D in restricting esophageal cancer. It has been noted that vitamin D declines chances of being diagnosed with colon, breast and prostate cancer.

The study focuses on investigating patients with Barrett’s esophagus. Having evaluated the effects of Vitamin D on protein levels, experts will be measuring threats to esophageal cancer. Investigators aim to find a probable link between vitamin D intake and elevation in the 15-prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) protein. If this association is demonstrated then, Barrett’s may be prevented from turning into cancer.

During the study, patients will be provided with vitamin D every week (50,000 IU) for four months and levels of 15-PGDH will be calculated. Dr. Linda Cummings, a gastroenterologist with the UH Digestive Health Institute and Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and the lead investigator, and colleagues claim that vitamin D is capable of restricting esophageal cancer.

The study is funded by the National Institutes of Health and American College of Gastroenterology through Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.