Serum concentration of trace elements in patients with lymphoid malignancy

The role of trace elements especially copper and zinc in carcinogenisis and in relation to disease activity have been studied. Pretreatment levels of serum copper and zinc were found to be altered in patients with Non Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin's disease (HD) when compared to the control group. Serum copper concentration significantly increased with the stage of the disease and was useful to predict relapse and response to therapy. Serum concentration of zinc could be related to the extent of disease, but its predictive value for relapse is doubtful. A much more significant marker was found to be the ratio of copper to zinc, which significantly correlated with the stage of the disease, in response to therapy and in predicting relapse. Superoxide dismutase could not be correlated with the stage of the disease.