Introduction: Based on the available studies, a link can be established between colorectal cancer (CRC) and low intake of calcium and vitamin D. According to the most recent results, the serum calcium level is mainly determined by genetic factors. One of the key elements of this is calcium-sensing receptor.
Aim: The authors of this article examined patients in which CRC had recently been discovered. Particular attention was devoted to the relationship between the calcium metabolism of the patients, and the levels of AFP, CEA, CA 19-9 (which can be considered as prognostic factors).
Patients and methods: The authors examined a total of 70 patients. Furthermore they examined the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) A986S polymorphism, as well as the different CaSR genotypes and the relationship with the data stated above.
Results: A lower level of ionized calcium was found in the CRC patients with normal 25 (OH) vitamin D levels. Beyond this, the ionized calcium level was inversely correlated with the level of CA 19-9 tumor markers. There were no differences in the CaSR genotype, between the CRC patients and the general population, beyond this, the genotypes did not correlate with other data being examined.
Conclusion: With these results, the authors of this article have concluded that a lower level of calcium can be a pathogenic and prognostic factor in colorectal cancer.