Vitamin E acts as antipromoter of carcinogenesis and MDA is a byproduct of lipid peroxidation inherent in carcinogenesis. Reduced serum levels of vitamin E have been found to be associated with higher risk of oral, gastrointestinal and breast cancers. This study was designed to evaluate status of serum vitamin E levels in carcinoma cervix patients receiving radical radiotherapy (RRT).
Material and methods: Fifty patients with biopsy-proven carcinoma of the cervix were divided into two groups. Group I received vitamin E supplement (100 mg orally daily) in addition to RRT. Group II received RRT only. Serum vitamin E and MDA levels were compared in the two groups pre- and post-RRT using Duggans and Beuges methods, respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Serum vitamin E levels were statistically lower in 50 patients than in controls. Post-RRT serum vitamin E levels increased in group I (p < 0.02) and group II (p < 0. 01) while serum MDA levels decreased in group I (p < 0.01) and group II (p < 0.05) meaning thereby that oxidative stress and consequent lipid peroxidation was reduced with decrease in tumour mass. Mean post-RRT serum vitamin E levels in the two groups was not statistically different. We found that serum vitamin E levels in the patients did not correlate with oral supplementation of vitamin E.