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Biomonitoring Study of Toxic Metal(loid)s: Levels in Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients

  • 0Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
Toxics +

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July 26, 2024

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July 26, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study found elevated levels of heavy metals like arsenic, nickel, and chromium in lung cancer patients, suggesting a potential environmental risk factor. Further research is needed to confirm the association between metal exposure and lung cancer development.

Area Of Science

  • Environmental Health
  • Oncology
  • Toxicology

Background

  • Lung cancer remains a significant global health concern, contributing to a high number of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
  • Identifying environmental risk factors is crucial for understanding and mitigating lung cancer development.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the presence and levels of various heavy metal(loid)s (including Arsenic, Nickel, Lead, Chromium, Cadmium, Mercury, Molybdenum, and Manganese) in lung cancer patients.
  • To explore the potential role of these heavy metal(loid)s as environmental risk factors in lung cancer.

Main Methods

  • Urine samples from 63 lung cancer patients (adenocarcinoma, stage IIIB or IV) were analyzed for heavy metal(loid) concentrations using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).
  • Urinary metal(loid) levels were compared against established reference values (ToxGuide).
  • Statistical analyses were performed to assess associations between metal(loid) levels, patient demographics, and clinical markers.

Main Results

  • Elevated levels of Arsenic, Nickel, Chromium, Cadmium, and Mercury were detected in a significant percentage of lung cancer patients.
  • Urinary Chromium levels were higher in men and positively associated with C-reactive protein (CRP) serum levels.
  • Urinary Cadmium levels were higher in females and associated with smoking habits. Mercury levels correlated positively with liver function enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT).

Conclusions

  • Preliminary findings suggest a potential association between exposure to certain heavy metal(loid)s and lung cancer.
  • Specific metal(loid)s showed differential associations with patient characteristics (sex, smoking) and clinical markers (CRP, liver enzymes).
  • Further comprehensive studies are warranted to elucidate the definitive role of heavy metal(loid) exposure in lung cancer etiology, progression, and survival prediction.

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