The value of serum copper levels in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

A study of 306 serum copper levels (SCL) determinations in 115 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma indicates a positive correlation between SCL and the state of disease. Patients with advanced disease (Stages II, III and IV) before treatment, those with active disease while under treatment, or in a relapse had a significantly higher SCL than patients in Stage I or those with no evidence of disease (NED). The mean SCL of patients with Stage I was similar to that of patients with NED. The mean values of these two groups did not differ significantly from that of healthy controls. Histological subtypes, according to the Rappaport classification, has no influence on SCL. Grouping into nodular versus diffuse lymphoma, histiocytic versus lymphocytic lymphoma and favorable versus unfavorable histology failed to demonstrate a difference between the groups. Within each subset a wide range of SCL was evident. However, good correlation was observed with the degree of disease activity. SCL may provide a useful parameter for patient monitoring. In this series, however, SCL was not useful for the prediction of an early relapse.