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Prospective Analysis of Serum Zinc and Selenium Levels in Children with Cancer

  • 0Department of Pediatric Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye.
Nutrition and Cancer +

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April 3, 2025

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April 3, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Pediatric cancer patients showed normal serum zinc and selenium levels at diagnosis. However, lymphomas had lower initial zinc, which improved post-treatment, while selenium decreased in solid tumors after therapy.

Area Of Science

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Trace Element Metabolism

Background

  • Serum zinc and selenium levels can be affected by malignancies.
  • Understanding these alterations in pediatric cancer is crucial for patient management.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To prospectively investigate serum zinc and selenium concentrations in children with newly diagnosed cancers.
  • To compare these levels with normal reference values and analyze variations based on tumor type, site, and disease extent.

Main Methods

  • Prospective study involving 81 children (<18 years) with newly diagnosed cancers.
  • Serum samples collected at diagnosis and 3-4 months post-diagnosis.
  • Zinc and selenium concentrations measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Main Results

  • Overall median serum zinc and selenium levels were comparable to normal references.
  • Children with lymphomas exhibited significantly lower initial serum zinc levels compared to those with solid tumors; zinc levels increased post-treatment.
  • No significant differences in initial selenium levels were observed across patient groups. Selenium levels significantly decreased in solid tumors 3-4 months post-treatment.

Conclusions

  • Lower initial zinc levels in pediatric lymphomas warrant attention, with potential for improvement after treatment.
  • Post-treatment decline in selenium levels in solid tumors may be linked to tumor characteristics, reduced intake, or chemotherapy effects.
  • No correlation found between zinc/selenium levels and survival rates in this cohort.