Systemic dysregulation of essential and toxic elements and redox homeostasis in gynecologic malignancies - Report - MDSpire

Systemic dysregulation of essential and toxic elements and redox homeostasis in gynecologic malignancies

  • By

  • Paweł Ordon

  • Kacper Boroń

  • Krzysztof Bereza

  • Dariusz Boroń

  • Piotr Ossowski

  • Tomasz Sirek

  • Agata Sirek

  • Julia Gajdeczka

  • Beniamin Oskar Grabarek

  • May 15, 2026

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Clinical Report: Alterations in Essential and Toxic Element Levels in Gynecological Cancers

Overview

This study evaluates systemic biochemical alterations in women with endometrial and ovarian cancers, focusing on essential and toxic elements and redox balance. Significant correlations were found between tumor grade and elemental levels, alongside redox status changes across clinical subgroups.

Background

Endometrial and ovarian cancers are prevalent gynecologic malignancies that significantly impact women's health, particularly in the post-reproductive period. Understanding the biochemical alterations associated with these cancers is crucial for developing reliable biomarkers for early detection and monitoring. Disturbances in essential and toxic elements, as well as oxidative stress, may play a role in cancer progression and patient outcomes.

Data Highlights

ElementEndometrial CancerOvarian Cancer
Calcium (Ca)Lower levels with higher tumor gradeSimilar trends observed
Magnesium (Mg)Lower levels with higher tumor gradeSimilar trends observed
Iron (Fe)Lower levels with higher tumor gradeSimilar trends observed
Manganese (Mn)Higher levels with higher tumor gradeHigher levels in surgical patients
Copper (Cu)Higher levels with higher tumor gradeHigher levels in surgical patients
Lead (Pb)Higher levels with higher tumor gradeHigher levels in surgical patients
Cadmium (Cd)Higher levels with higher tumor gradeHigher levels in surgical patients

Key Findings

  • Higher tumor grade in endometrial cancer is associated with lower levels of calcium, magnesium, and iron.
  • Increased levels of manganese, copper, lead, and cadmium were observed in higher tumor grades of endometrial cancer.
  • Ovarian cancer patients requiring surgery showed pronounced alterations in elemental levels.
  • Redox profiling indicated a decrease in total antioxidant status and increases in total oxidant status across tumor grades.
  • Weak associations were found between demographic factors and elemental levels.
  • Combined multi-element and redox profiling may enhance understanding of gynecologic malignancies.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that monitoring essential and toxic element levels, along with redox status, may provide insights into the biochemical landscape of gynecological cancers. This could aid in the development of blood-based biomarkers for early detection and treatment monitoring.

Conclusion

Alterations in elemental composition and redox balance are evident in endometrial and ovarian cancers, reflecting complex interactions between disease and host factors. Further research is needed to clarify the clinical relevance of these findings.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Reproductive Health, 2026 -- Body mass index as a key determinant of oxidative stress in women undergoing infertility treatment
  2. Archives of Toxicology, 2021 -- Impact of Breast Cancer Risk Factors on Cellular Proliferation and DNA Damage in Human Mammary Gland Tissues: The Role of Intracellular Estrogen Concentrations, Oxidative Stress, and Estrogen Metabolism
  3. Archives of Toxicology, 2025 -- The Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defense in the Development and Progression of Cancer
  4. FDA, 2024 -- FDA approves pembrolizumab with chemotherapy for primary advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma
  5. PMC, 2025 -- Pan-Asia adapted ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for the management of patients with newly diagnosed and relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer
  6. Archives of Toxicology — Evaluation of Disorders Affecting Female Reproductive Health
  7. FDA approves pembrolizumab with chemotherapy for primary advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma | FDA
  8. Pan-Asia adapted ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for the management of patients with newly diagnosed and relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer - PMC
  9. Serum Levels of Zinc and Copper in Patients with Endometrial Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis - PubMed

Original Source(s)

Systemic dysregulation of essential and toxic elements and redox homeostasis in gynecologic malignancies

  • by Paweł Ordon, Kacper Boroń, Krzysztof Bereza, Dariusz Boroń, Piotr Ossowski, Tomasz Sirek, Agata Sirek, Julia Gajdeczka, Beniamin Oskar Grabarek

  • May 15, 2026

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