Serum copper levels in lymphoma and leukemia.Special reference to Hodgkin's disease

Abstract

This pilot study comprises observations of serum copper changes in 70 patients with lymphoma and leukemia. The largest groups consisted of 28 patients with Hodgkin's disease and 23 patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia. The results obtained support the following tentative conclusions: (1) The general activity of Hodgkin's disease is reflected in serum copper levels—if rising, increasing activity of the disease; if declining, decreasing activity. (2) Serum copper determinations have a role in the differentiation of active and inactive status in patients with Hodgkin's disease. (3) Serum copper levels may anticipate clinical response to treatment in Hodgkin's disease. (4) Serum copper levels are helpful in determining disease activity and response to therapy in other lymphomas but are of doubtful value in patients with reticulum cell sarcoma. (5) Serum copper levels reflect bone marrow activity and response to treatment in previously untreated acute leukemic individuals. Each of these interpretations must be verified by further clinical studies.