The use of INAA in studying trace element changes induced by cancer therapy

Tissue samples from the livers and tumours of rats bearing the 3924A Morris hepatoma as well as skin and tumour samples from mice and hamsters bearing squamous epithelium carcinomas were analysed by INAA. The Cr, Na, Br and Zn concentrations were consistently higher and the Co concentration lower for the tumours than for the normal tissue. When the 3924A hepatoma was treated by localized external radiation (3750 rad) the trace element concentrations in the tumour, liver and especially the serum changed. Changes in the tumour Zn appear to be related to changes in the DNA content. Some of the changes in serum trace element levels during the first days after treatment parallel cellular changes in the tumour (e.g. mitotic index) and serum spermidine levels. When human patients with cervical carcinomas of the uterus were treated with radiation (radium needle implants) some of the serum trace elements showed significant and consistent changes. For example, the serum Zn concentrations decreased by nearly a factor of two during the first 2 or 3 days of treatment and then increased again. (author)