A Multi-Centered Trial Evaluating the Role of Vitamin D Metabolism in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Vitamin D exerts antiproliferative and differentiating effects in cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The active form of Vitamin D is 1,25, dihydroxycholecalciferol (calcitriol) which rapidly induces expression of cytochrome P450 24R-hydroxylase (CYP24A1). CYP24A1 initiates inactivation of calcitriol as a result of successive hydroxylation/oxidation reactions. This study seeks to prospectively determine the relationship between Vitamin D gene expression and median survival as a primary outcome, and between the Vitamin D receptor (VDR)/CYP24A1 gene expression and cancer stage, smoking status, serum 1,25 (OH)2D3 levels as well as CYP24A1 genotype.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Maximum age

80 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Scheduled for diagnostic bronchoscopy for suspected advanced stage lung cancer by CT/PET scanning.
2. Tumor or lymph node accessible by transbronchial needle aspiration.
3. Age 18-80.
4. All patients must be informed of the investigational nature of this study and must give written informed consent in accordance with institutional and federal guidelines.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unstable cardiovascular disease or other systemic disease
2. Mental incompetence/active psychiatric illness
3. Medical contraindication for bronchoscopy