BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH 1, 229-241 (1979) Trace Element Profiles in Cancer Patients WALTER J. PORIES* AND ANDRE M. VAN RU Trace Element Laboratories, East Carolina University School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina AND EDWARD G. MANSOUR Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospitals, Cleveland, Ohio AND ARTHUR FLYNN Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio Received February 22, 1979; Accepted February 23, 1979 ABSTRACT It has become evident over the last two decades that there is an intimate relationship between the trace elements and cancer. Some trace elements have been shown to be carcinogens, others appear to provide protection against cancer. Profound changes in trace element concentrations and distribution occur in patients with cancer, but most changes remain undefined. A review of a number of studies of trace element changes in patients with cancer demonstrates that simple correlations of trace element levels in disease are of only limited use. Such reports underscore the need for large-scale studies that consider the many variables of malignancies and of trace element chemistry. The variables that must be considered for cancer include tissue of origin; histologic, pathologic and clinical staging; nutritional status as reflected by serum levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, the electrolytes, pH, albumen, and globulin; endocrine balance, effects of previous and concurrent therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal manipulation, immuno- therapy, and radiotherapy; history of exposure to toxic agents; and the presence of other disease. Similarly, trace element studies entail variables that must be considered and controlled prospectively, including timing and techniques of sampling, 229 Copyright 9 1979 by The Humana Press Inc. All rights of any nature whatsoever reserved. 0163-4984/79/0900-0229 $02.60