Serum Copper as an Index of Tumor Response to Radiotherapy

Abstract

Serum copper levels (SCL) were studied during radiotherapy of patients in two categories of Hodgkin's disease, those showing complete remission and those showing partial remission. One patient with simultaneous estrogen administration, and a series of solid tumor patients as a control group were similarly studied. Serum copper level was high in untreated Hodgkin's disease and returned to normal levels in complete remission. In partial remission, SCL was reduced but did not reach normal levels. Estrogen administration results in high SCL and appears to mask treatment response. Patients in the control group showed normal SCL during radiotherapy. Serum copper level provides an effective means of evaluating radiotherapy of Hodgkin's disease.