An assessment of serum oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters in patients undergoing treatment for cervical cancer

Oxidative stress and antioxidants are involved in all aspects of cervical cancer. The present study evaluated serum levels of oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers in cervical cancer patients and healthy controls. Moreover, the effect of Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) on these biomarkers and their association with treatment outcome was investigated.

This study included ninety-seven cervical cancer patients and thirty controls. Three oxidative stress parameters (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, Protein Carbonyl, and Malondialdehyde) and four antioxidant parameters (Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase, and Total Antioxidant Status) were measured. The analysis was conducted using repeated measures ANOVA for comparing among the phases (before, during, and follow-up) of treatment. The control group was compared using the Dunnet test. Logistic regression analysis was also conducted between oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters to study their association.

Significant rises in oxidative damage markers were observed in cervical cancer patients of all stages, compared to controls. There was a further increase in oxidative stress markers during CCRT among complete responders. However, among non-responders, the oxidative stress biomarkers like Protein Carbonyl and Malondialdehyde were unaltered during CCRT. Simultaneously, there was a significant decrease in antioxidant parameters in cervical cancer patients of all stages compared to controls. During CCRT, antioxidant levels continuously depleted among complete responders. Nevertheless, in non-responders, antioxidant parameters like Superoxide Dismutase and Total Antioxidant Status were consistent. The oxidative stress markers and antioxidant parameters normalized among complete responders at six months follow up. While in non-responders, the normalization of these parameters was not observed.

Our results indicate that increased oxidative stress and diminished antioxidants among patients were associated with carcinoma cervix. Induced oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant parameters during CCRT among the complete responders show the treatment's efficacy. Oxidant-antioxidant profile merits investigation as markers of diagnosis, treatment response, survival, and recurrence in extensive prospective studies.