Trace Elements in blood serum measured by PIXE and ICP-MS for early diagnosis of melanoma.

• Grant number: 08/01413-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: October 01, 2008
• End date: August 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biophysics - Biophysics of Processes and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Manfredo Harri Tabacniks
• Grantee: Suene Bernardes dos Santos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This study is the continuation and extension of a former investigation done by the author and proposes the use of trace elements in blood serum analyzed by PIXE and IC-MS to establish possible correlations for early diagnosis of melanoma. For comparison, it will also establish trace element reference levels for healthy patients, in a regular case control study. The structure of the serum components will be investigated to identify if the trace elements are free in solution or linked to proteins and/or molecules. Preparation of blood serum samples will be improved, by the addition of Low Temperature Ashing procedures, aiming to reduce the high organic load, which interferes with the trace element analysis, and consequently obtain the reduction of the already low detection limits. This study will be executed in collaboration, and with resources, from the Hospital do Câncer under the supervision of Dr. Mariangela Correa (protocols number 1000/07 from Hospital do Câncer and 20071109143330 from UNIFESP). This project may be associated to a possible future thematic interdisciplinary project "Multi-scale Analysis of Neoplasic Processes" currently under assessment.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

SANTOS, Suene Bernardes dos. Trace elements measurement in blood sérum for the diagnosis of melanoma a viability study. 2012. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Física (IF/SBI) São Paulo.