Vitamin D and Colorectal Cancer Survival

Leveraging Novel Randomized Clinical Trials of Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: Impact on Survival and Anti-Tumor Immunity

NIH-funded research Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11135575

This research explores if taking vitamin D supplements can help people with colorectal cancer live longer and boost their body's ability to fight the cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11135575 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

We know that vitamin D might help fight cancer, and people with higher vitamin D levels often have better outcomes with colorectal cancer. This project aims to find out if taking vitamin D supplements directly improves survival for patients with colorectal cancer. We are conducting two main studies: one for patients with advanced colorectal cancer receiving chemotherapy, and another for patients with liver metastases before surgery. We also want to understand how vitamin D might strengthen the body's immune response against tumors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be patients with metastatic colorectal cancer or those with resectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer.

Not a fit: Patients without colorectal cancer or those not fitting the specific trial criteria for metastatic or resectable liver disease may not directly benefit from this particular research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could show that vitamin D supplementation is a simple and effective way to improve survival for patients with colorectal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and population studies suggest a link between vitamin D and better colorectal cancer outcomes, and a prior Phase II trial showed promising results, leading to this larger Phase III effort.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Anti-Cancer Agents
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.