Changes in Serum Trace Element Concentrations Before and After Surgery in Resectable Breast Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Trace elements (TEs) are crucial for biological functions and cancer development.
• Breast carcinoma is the most prevalent cancer among women globally.
• Understanding TE dynamics in breast cancer is vital for diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess alterations in serum TE concentrations before and after breast cancer surgery.
• To evaluate the clinical utility and reliability of TE measurements using ICP-MS.
• To identify potential TE biomarkers for distinguishing breast cancer subtypes and stages.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples were collected from 47 breast cancer patients (13 DCIS, 34 IDC) pre- and post-surgery.
• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed for TE quantification.
• Surgical procedures included mastectomy or quadrantectomy with axillary lymph node dissection/biopsy.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in TE level changes (boron, titanium, vanadium, chromium, copper, zinc, selenium) were observed between IDC and DCIS patients.
• Pre-surgery boron and copper levels, along with post-surgery changes in titanium, vanadium, and chromium, may differentiate DCIS from IDC.
• Chromium and titanium show potential as biomarkers for specific breast cancer subtypes (luminal) and pathological staging.

Conclusions:

• Serum TE profile changes following surgery can assist in breast cancer diagnosis and staging.
• TE analysis may inform the development of personalized TE supplementation protocols.
• This study highlights the potential of ICP-MS in monitoring TE levels for clinical applications in oncology.