In addition, the researchers isolated biomarkers that could help physicians identify women that could benefit from vitamin D treatment.

The researchers came to this discovery by identifying, for the first time, one of the molecular pathways that leads to the variety of breast cancer known as triple-negative. This cancer is more likely to affect younger women, and is most resistant to treatment.

Scientists have known for some time that a malfunction of a tumor-suppressing gene known as BRCA1 can lead to the development of breast cancer. This gene is part of the cellular defense system by which the body ensures that any damaged DNA is not passed on to new cells, using mechanisms such as screening DNA for errors and sending cells carrying damaged DNA into hibernation or even programmed cell death.