Key clinical point: Bioavailable 25(OH)D level may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker in DLBCL patients.

Major finding: DLBCL patients with a higher total circulating 25(OH)D level had better PFS than those with relatively lower level, P < .0001.

Study details: A total of 332 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients were analyzed.

Disclosures: The authors reported that they had no conflicts of interest.

Commentary

“A prior study indicated an adverse impact of low vitamin D levels on survival in follicular lymphoma (Kelly et al JCO 2015). The current research by Drs. Chen et al investigated the vitamin D levels of 332 newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients and found that higher levels correlated with improved progression free and overall survival. The authors also noted that response to standard therapy was better in those with sufficient levels. Importantly, over 90% of patients had inadequate levels of vitamin D. A follow up interventional study is indicated.”

Sarah Rutherford, MD

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine