Overview
This is a two-arm randomized clinical trial in which 80 participants with Vitamin D deficiency and scheduled to begin taxane-based chemotherapy will be randomized to either: 1) prescribed vitamin D replacement or 2) standard of care.
Description
This is a two-arm randomized clinical trial in which 80 participants with Vitamin D deficiency and scheduled to begin taxane-based chemotherapy will be randomized to either: 1) prescribed vitamin D replacement or 2) standard of care (advised to take over the counter (OTC) vitamin D).
All participants will have blood drawn for serum vitamin D analysis at Weeks 4, 8, 12, and 24 in order to document Vitamin D levels and titrate vitamin D dose (if needed in the treatment arm). Participants in both arms will complete self-report measures of neuropathic pain at baseline, Week 12, and Week 24.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosis of stage I-III cancer of any type, OR diagnosis of stage IV cancer being treated with curative intent
- Receiving or scheduled to begin taxane-based chemotherapy at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Vitamin D serum level <20 ng/mL Note: study participants with Vitamin D serum level ≥20 ng/mL may be enrolled in the observational arm.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Pre-existing diagnosis of neuropathy
- Currently taking prescription Vitamin D (ergocalciferol)
- Inability to converse in English
- Pregnancy
- Chronic kidney disease (stage IV or greater)
- Known hyperparathyroidism
- Hypercalcemia: Calcium levels >10.5 mg/dL Note: study participants with calcium levels <10.5 mg/dL may be enrolled in the observational arm.