Molybdenum Deficiency among Esophageal Cancer Patients

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nutritional Science
• Trace Element Research

Background:

• Emerging evidence links trace element deficiencies, especially molybdenum, to esophageal cancer (EC) development.
• Molybdenum is crucial for detoxifying carcinogens via enzymes like xanthine oxidase.
• Understanding molybdenum's role may offer new insights into EC prevention and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum molybdenum levels in patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
• To compare molybdenum levels between EC patients and healthy controls.
• To assess the potential association between molybdenum deficiency and EC incidence.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, single-center observational study conducted from June 2021 to June 2023.
• Included patients with histologically confirmed EC and age/gender-matched healthy volunteers.
• Serum molybdenum levels were quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Main Results:

• 400 participants (EC patients and controls) were enrolled.
• Esophageal cancer patients exhibited significantly lower mean serum molybdenum levels (0.79 ± 0.452 µg/L) than controls (2.33 ± 0.707 µg/L).
• This significant difference was observed in both male and female participants.

Conclusions:

• Molybdenum deficiency may increase esophageal cancer risk by hindering carcinogen detoxification.
• Further research is warranted to explore the preventive and therapeutic applications of molybdenum in EC.
• This study highlights a potential nutritional biomarker for esophageal cancer risk.