Elemental Profiling of different Cancer Patients by ICP-MS from River Indus Region Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: The relationship between exposure to heavy metals and the development of cancer has been a subject of extensive research. Trace elements, both essential and non-essential, play significant roles in various biological processes, with imbalances potentially contributing to carcinogenesis. This study aims to investigate serum concentrations of selected metals in cancer patients and compare these levels with those of a healthy control group, highlighting the potential link between metal exposure and cancer risk. Objective: To quantify and compare the serum concentrations of sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in cancer patients and a control group, thereby assessing the potential association between elevated levels of specific metals and cancer incidence. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed blood samples from cancer patients (n=30) and a matched control group (n=30) from the Jamshoro and Hyderabad areas. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was utilized to measure serum concentrations of Na, Ca, Fe, Cd, and As. Participants' demographic data, including age, gender, place of residence, degree of education, cancer type, and water sources, were collected through questionnaires. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare metal concentrations between groups, with P-values <0.05 considered significant. Results: The average ages of cancer patients and controls were 55.3 ± 15.7 and 52.13 ± 23.7 years, respectively. Significantly higher serum Na levels were observed in cancer patients compared to controls (P > 0.05), with an average concentration exceeding 32.04 µg/L. Cd levels were also higher in the cancer group (0.0046 ppm) compared to controls (0.0000 ppm), contrary to expectations. Conversely, no significant difference was found in As levels between groups. Serum Fe concentrations were substantially higher in cancer patients (P > 0.4949), with Ca levels in cancer patients also elevated (3.302 ppm). Conclusion: The study found significant discrepancies in serum metal concentrations between cancer patients and healthy controls, suggesting an association between elevated levels of certain metals and increased cancer risk. These findings emphasize the need for further investigation into the role of metal exposure in carcinogenesis and the potential for incorporating metal concentration assessments into cancer risk evaluation protocols.