Observations on the use of plasma, hair and tissue to evaluate trace element status in cancer

Selenium, zinc and copper were measured in plasma, hair and tissue of patients affected by either breast or lung cancer and their controls. A decrease in plasma Se and Zn in women affected by breast cancer was observed, whereas plasma Cu was increased in lung cancer. No significant modification was found in hair trace element levels adjusted for the main confounders, in particular for hair treatment which altered Se content. The examined elements were highly concentrated in cancerous vs normal tissue, but results changed according to the unit used to express results. The usefulness and significance of these biomarkers of trace element status are discussed in the light of the most recent literature data.