Serum alpha-tocopherol, retinol and neopterin during paclitaxel/carboplatin chemotherapy.
BACKGROUND
Disorders of antioxidant balance are considered to be involved in the toxicity associated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.


METHODS
Serum alpha-tocopherol and retinol were determined, by high performance liquid chromatography, before and during therapy with a combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin in 28 patients with breast and ovarian cancer. Serum neopterin and cholesterol were measured using a radioimmunoassay and enzymatic colorimetric method, respectively.


RESULTS
Compared to pretreatment concentrations, a significant increase was observed in serum alpha-tocopherol and retinol concentrations during therapy that was associated with decreased serum neopterin concentrations. Serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations were significantly higher during therapy in patients who did not experience serious toxicity.


CONCLUSIONS
An increase in alpha-tocopherol and retinol during therapy with combination paclitaxel/carboplatin may be explained by inhibition of systemic immune activation secondary to control of the tumor with effective chemotherapy. Lower alpha-tocopherol concentrations were associated with the toxicity of therapy.
Melichar
Bohuslav
B
Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Charles University Medical School and Teaching Hospital, 500 05 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. melichar@fnhk.cz
Kalábová
Hana
H
Krcmová
Lenka
L
Urbánek
Lubor
L
Hyspler
Radomír
R
Malírova
Eva
E
Solichová
Dagmar
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019798:Neopterin / Q000097:blood*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood*; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol / Q000097:blood*
D014801:Vitamin A; D019798:Neopterin; D016190:Carboplatin; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol; D017239:Paclitaxel