Serum zinc as a prognostic indicator in locally advanced cancer cervix patients receiving chemo-irradiation: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic significance of serum Zinc (S.Zn) in locally advanced cancer cervix (LACC) patients treated with chemo-irradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: S.Zn values in 34 females with histopathologically (HP) proven LACC (>/= stage II B) were prospectively measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer pre- and post-treatment. Thirty-four age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were also evaluated for the parameter during the course of the study. After completion of treatment, the patients were divided into 2 groups based on the response, 1 - Complete response (CR) and 2 - Partial/No response (PR/NR). These groups were compared based on the observations of the studied parameter. RESULTS: The mean post-treatment S.Zn values were significantly higher in group 1 as compared to group 2 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In our study, patients achieving CR had higher mean levels of S.Zn compared to patients achieving PR/NR. We advocate further in-depth studies to evaluate the role of S.Zn in the prognosis of LACC patients treated with chemo-irradiation.