Can we use high precision metal isotope analysis to improve our understanding of cancer?

High precision natural isotope analyses are widely used in geosciences to trace elemental transport pathways. The use of this analytical tool is increasing in nutritional and disease-related research. In recent months, a number of groups have shown the potential this technique has in providing new observations for various cancers when applied to trace metal metabolism. The deconvolution of isotopic signatures, however, relies on mathematical models and geochemical data, which are not representative of the system under investigation. In addition to relevant biochemical studies of protein-metal isotopic interactions, technological development both in terms of sample throughput and detection sensitivity of these elements is now needed to translate this novel approach into a mainstream analytical tool. Following this, essential background healthy population studies must be performed, alongside observational, cross-sectional disease-based studies. Only then can the sensitivity and specificity of isotopic analyses be tested alongside currently employed methods, and important questions such as the influence of cancer heterogeneity and disease stage on isotopic signatures be addressed.