# Are trace element concentrations suitable biomarkers for the diagnosis of cancer?

## TL;DR

This paper explores if trace elements like copper and zinc in the blood can serve as biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis.

## Contribution

The study systematically compares trace element levels in cancer patients and controls to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers.

## Key findings

- Cancer patients generally have higher serum copper and lower zinc levels compared to controls.
- Selenium and iron levels do not consistently differ across the four cancer types studied.
- Copper and selenium tend to accumulate in tumor tissues.

## Abstract

Despite advances in cancer research, cancer is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide. An early diagnosis substantially increases the survival rate and treatment success. Thus, it is important to establish biomarkers which could reliably identify cancer patients. As cancer is associated with changes in the systemic trace element status and distribution, serum concentrations of selenium, iron, copper, and zinc could contribute to an early diagnosis. To test this hypothesis, case control studies measuring trace elements in cancer patients vs. matched controls were selected and discussed focusing on lung, prostate, breast, and colorectal cancer. Overall, cancer patients had elevated serum copper and diminished zinc levels, while selenium and iron did not show consistent changes for all four cancer types. Within the tumor tissue, mainly copper and selenium are accumulating. Whether these concentrations also predict the survival probability of cancer patients needs to be further investigated.