Inorganic Constituents of the Serum in Cancer

Abstract

In 1919, Theis and Stone (1) published in this Journal a study of the sugar and non-protein nitrogen constituents of the blood, and in 1921 Theis (2) presented a study of the protein content of the whole blood and plasma in cancer. Within the last few years, methods have been perfected for the analysis of the inorganic constituents in small amounts of blood. It was therefore considered advisable to complete the former work by studying the inorganic elements in the blood of cancer cases. There have been a few analyses of individual inorganic elements in cancer blood reported. In 1912, Goldzieher (3) found that calcium reached only the low normal figures and was often definitely below normal. He does not give his figures nor state the number of cases. Mottram (4) concluded that there was no alteration in the sodium content of the blood but the potassium content is increased, especially in males. His conclusions were based on the study of six males and twelve females. Recently, Vorschutz and Vorschutz (5) determined the total phosphorus of ten cubic centimeters of blood, and dividing that by the number of red cells per cubic millimeter, obtained a quotient which seemed to be higher in cancer cases than in normal individuals. All these data were obtained on whole blood. When making a complete study of the inorganic constituents in each case, it is advisable to use serum, since serum comes in contact with the tissues. Whole blood figures without accompanying hematocrit readings are likely to lead to erroneous conclusions.