Serum zinc levels in lung cancer patients

Serum zinc concentrations were determined in 26 extensive squamous cell lung cancer patients and were tested for correlations with survival, response to therapy, nutritional status indices, and various host defense characteristics. Subnormal serum zinc levels were found in 24 of the 26 patients. The mean serum zinc concentration was 43.21p.g 100 ml 2 3.6 S.E.M. (normal = 80-100 pg/loO mi). A significant (P = 0.007) survival advantage was demonstrated for those patients with pretreatment zinc concentrations > 45 pg%, but serum zinc levels did not correlate with response to chemotherapy (also significantly affecting survival). Decreased serum zinc concentrations were significantly associated with decreased neutrophil migration measured by the skin window technique and with decreased triceps skin fold thickness but not with any of the other host defense and nutritional indices measured. These data suggest that further studies are indicated to examine the role of serum zinc concentration as a possible sensitive prognostic characteristic and to determine if zinc administration may be of therapeutic benefit in cancer patients. Cancer 47:1845- 1848, 1981. ow SERUM ZINC concentrations have been reported L to occur in lung cancer patients.'.l6 Hypotheses concerning the mechanisms of serum zinc depletion and the potential prognostic and therapeutic implications of these measurements have been entertained but remain unproven. The attenuation of taste and smell and anorexia have been found associated with low serum zinc concentrations.20 Low serum zinc levels also appear to be associated with lymphocyte dysfunction] and in some circumstances may have a striking effect on wound healing.18 Furthermore, interesting associations between zinc and both cellular and subcellular functions determined in animals and in vitro systems have been observed and are well summarized in a recent review article.22 This clinical study was undertaken to examine further the prognostic importance of serum zinc concentrations and possible associations with nutritional and host defense indices.