Impact of vitamin D deficiency on disease outcomes in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with poorer outcomes in patients with colorectal and breast carcinomas. This study aimed to explore the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and clinicopathological features in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

METHODS

Serum vitamin D levels were measured in 150 OSCC patients (mean age: 65 years) at the time of diagnosis and categorized as normal or low. Data on tumour T-stage, nodal involvement, perineural invasion, recurrence, metastasis were collected and analysed over a two-year follow-up period.

RESULTS

Of the 150 patients, 70 (46.7%) had low vitamin D levels. Patients with lower vitamin D levels were significantly more likely to exhibit advanced disease features, including nodal involvement (p < 0.01), distant metastases, and perineural invasion (p = 0.02). Low vitamin D levels were also associated with tumour location in common sites of the oral cavity. Seasonal variation did not significantly impact vitamin D levels in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates a significant correlation between low serum vitamin D levels and aggressive tumour behaviour in OSCC, including increased nodal spread, perineural invasion, and metastasis. These findings suggest that vitamin D levels may serve as a prognostic marker in OSCC and highlight the need for further research into its potential therapeutic role.