A special form of Vitamin D seems to help men with advanced prostate (Stage IV) cancer live longer, higher quality lives. That is the conclusion drawn from a research study performed on 250 men with terminal prostate cancer.

A special form of Vitamin D known as DN-101 was given to 125 of the men along with Taxotere chemotherapy while Taxotere alone was given to the other 125. Of those who received the DN-101, they have so far lived an average of seven months longer than those on Taxotere chemotherapy alone, and the average lifespan extension keeps increasing, as many of the men are still alive.

This is very significant in that these patients have Stage IV prostate cancer, the toughest, most lethal prostate cancer prognosis. These men have been through chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and hormone treatments, and it is their last hope.

The research has finished Phase II clinical trials and will launch a Phase III clinical trial during 2006.

Recommendations:
This is good news for men with advanced prostate cancer and a poor prognosis. If clinical trials are successful, it could lead to a treatment regimen offering new hope to those with few options.

It does not mean to run out and take high doses of over-the-counter vitamin D. Vitamin D overdoses will cause hypercalcemia and kidney damage.

If you are a man with Stage IV advanced prostate cancer, you may want to see if you qualify for one of the clinical trials of DN-101 that may be available. Search for the key terms vitamin D, taxotere, and DN-101.

Resources used for article development:
ABCNews.go.com
Medical News Today