Comparison between concentrations of trace elements in normal and neoplastic human breast tissue

Histologically normal and neoplastic human breast tissues obtained from 25 patients at the time of mastectomy were homogenized (200 mg/ml) in distilled water and 5-microliter aliquots dried on Formvar films for trace element analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence. The elements measured were calcium, vanadium, copper, zinc, iron, chromium, manganese, nickel, selenium, molybdenum, bromine, rubidium, strontium, mercury, arsenic, and lead. In general, significantly large increases (p less than 0.001) in calcium, vanadium, copper, zinc, selenium, and rubidium were found in breast tumors, with a less significant increase (p less than 0.05) for nickel. When a comparison was made between histologically normal and neoplastic tissues from the same individual, zinc and rubidium were found to be consistently higher in the tumor, whereas calcium, copper, and vanadium levels varied from normal to high. In no instance were the tissue changes in calcium, copper, zinc, or rubidium reflected in the blood levels, which were within normal limits. The distribution of calcium, copper, and zinc in urine varied among individuals with primary tumors; however, rubidium levels tended to be consistently elevated. An attempt is being made to correlate these various differences with the extent of the primary disease at the time of surgery, the postoperative tumor-free interval, and subsequent therapy.