Study of Trace Element Concentrations in Breast Cancer by Neutron Activation Analysis

Trace elements are major components of biological structures, however, excessive levels of these elements can be toxic. This study was performed to investigate the influence of cancer of selected trace elements among Egypt patients with confirmed breast cancer. Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) using short and long term irradiation has been employed to determine five minor elements (C1, K, Na, Mg, Al, Br) and 9 trace elements (Se, Zn, Co, Cr, Cs, , Rb, Sc, Sr, and Fe) in cancerous and normal breast tissue from 10 patients. The National Cancer Institute of Egypt submits us with 10 samples from 10 patients in the age range 30-65 years are given blood samples breast and one sample from a random person to estimate the concentration values of Na, Al, K, Mn, Mg, Br and Cl. The pneumatic irradiation rabbit system (PIRS) built into the vertical thermal column of the ET-RR-2. The reactor is used for short time irradiation at constant power. Elemental concentrations were estimated from measurements of the gamma-ray spectra of the product short-lived isotopes in the samples. The obtained concentration was calculated using the relative method. The effect of age on chemical element contents in intact breast of 10 apparently healthy 3065 years was investigated by neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of short-lived radionuclides. Mean values (SD Mean) for content (mg/kg, dry weight basis) of chemical elements were Br18.84 12.05, As20.84 17.85, Cl2.74 2.75, K1.80 1.85, Co-0.92 0.05, Cs-1.92 1.75, Sc-8.14 5.45, Cr-0.98 1.45, Se-2.04 1.45, Fe-72.34 65.25, Mg1.25 + 0.47, Mn0.44 0.10, and Na-3.98 1.75, respectively. A tendency of age-related increase in Na content and decrease in Mn content was observed.