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Serum and tissue trace elements in colorectal cancer
S K Gupta1, V K Shukla, M P Vaidya
1Department of Surgery, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
Journal of Surgical Oncology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Serum copper levels increase, while zinc levels decrease in advanced colorectal cancer. The copper/zinc ratio is a valuable indicator for assessing cancer extent and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Trace Element Analysis
Background:
- Alterations in serum and tissue trace element levels are observed in various cancers.
- Copper and zinc play crucial roles in cellular processes and immune function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum and tissue levels of copper and zinc in colorectal cancer patients.
- To evaluate the correlation between these trace elements and the stage of colorectal cancer.
Main Methods:
- Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to measure serum copper and zinc.
- Tissue samples (malignant and normal) from colorectal cancer patients were analyzed for copper and zinc.
- Serum levels and Cu/Zn ratios were compared between patients and healthy controls, and across different cancer stages.
Main Results:
- Patients with colorectal cancer exhibited significantly higher serum copper levels compared to controls.
- Serum zinc levels were lower in advanced stages (C and D) of colorectal cancer.
- The serum copper/zinc ratio progressively increased with advancing cancer stage.
- Colorectal cancer tissue showed higher concentrations of both copper and zinc than adjacent normal tissue.
Conclusions:
- Serum copper levels and the Cu/Zn ratio are potential biomarkers for estimating colorectal cancer extent.
- These trace element alterations may have implications for predicting patient prognosis.