Serum copper in carcinoma of cervix uteri as an indicator of successful radiotherapy.

Serum copper levels (SCL) have been done in 106 patients of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix and in 15 cases of local recurrences. The mean SCL has been significantly elevated in them in comparison to controls (P less than 0.001). The SCL falls to near normal range following successful therapy. There is a trend to elevation in SCL as the disease progresses. Mean SCL is unrelated to the various morphologic types of squamous cell carcinoma. SCL when compared with clinical radiation response (CRR) show that good CRR has highest mean difference of pre- and posttreatment value in comparison to moderate and poor CRR. It appears that highest SCL is associated with advanced disease and poorest prognosis. The estimation of SCL can be used as a check parameter of recurrence and as a prognostic tool in the management of carcinoma of the cervix uteri.