title: Heavy Metal Content in Thoracic Tissue Samples from Patients with and without NSCLC.
abstract: Objectives. Environmental factors expose an individual to heavy metals that may stimulate cancer growth preclinically including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Here, we examine the prevalence of four heavy metals present in postsurgical tissues from individuals with and without NSCLC. Materials and Methods. Thoracic tissue samples from two separate sample sets were analyzed for cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) content. Results. In the first sample set, there was no significant measurable amount of Pb and Hg found in either NSCLC tissue or nonmalignant lung tissue samples. Cd was the most prevalent heavy metal and As was present in moderate amounts. In the second sample set, Cd was measurable across all tissue types taken from 28 NSCLC patients and significantly higher Cd was measurable in noncancer benign lung (n = 9). In the NSCLC samples, As was measurable in moderate amounts, while Hg and Pb amounts were negligible. Conclusion. Cd and As are present in lung tissues for patients with NSCLC. With existing preclinical evidence of their tumorigenecity, it is plausible that Cd and/or As may have an impact on NSCLC development. Additional studies examining the prevalence and association between smokers and nonsmokers are suggested.
authors: Wellness Integrative, 14795 Jeffrey Road, Suite 101, Irvine, CA 92618, USA.
authors: Jessica Q
authors: JQ
authors: Tran
authors: Arizona State University, 1151 South Forest Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.
authors: Alexandra
authors: 0000-0002-1009-9759
authors: A
authors: Dranikov
authors: University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
authors: Anita
authors: 0000-0002-5567-7102
authors: A
authors: Iannucci
authors: The Translational Genomics Research Institute, 445 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA.
authors: Walter P
authors: 0000-0002-9231-5485
authors: WP
authors: Wagner
authors: The Translational Genomics Research Institute, 445 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA.
authors: Janine
authors: 0000-0002-5113-7096
authors: J
authors: LoBello
authors: Humboldt Medical Specialists, Hematology/Oncology, 2504 Harrison Avenue, Suite C, Eureka, CA 95501, USA.
authors: Jeffrey
authors: 0000-0001-8766-064X
authors: J
authors: Allen
authors: The Translational Genomics Research Institute, 445 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA ; Cancer Treatment Centers of America, 14200 W Celebrate Life Way, Goodyear, AZ 85338, USA.
authors: Glen J
authors: GJ
authors: Weiss