Here are a few highlights of cancer research news that have recently caught my attention:

• Recently two large studies were published linking low vitamin D levels to cancer and other diseases. The first study demonstrates that vitamin D is critically important in physiological processes while also indicating regulation of a very large number of genes either directly or indirectly responsive to vitamin D receptors. In the second study, scientists found evidence that vitamin D protects against numerous illnesses. Both papers were published in the British Medical Journal.
• Scientists in the UK have identified a gene mutation that may be responsible for cases of melanoma.  The report was published in Nature Genetics.
• A study led by researchers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital revealed promising results for treatment of childhood brain tumors using adult cancer drugs. The results were published in the journal Cancer Cell.

Please feel free to contact Marisol Hernandez for comments on the latest cancer research news.