Trace element profiles in murine Lewis lung carcinoma by radioisotope-induced X-ray fluorescence.

Trace element profiles of various body tissues and tumor were established during growth of the Lewis lung tumor (LLT) with the use of radioisotope-induced X-ray fluorescence (RIXRF) analysis. The LLT, a highly malignant experimental murine tumor, resembles its human counterpart, has a well-defined life cycle, and kills its host in 30 days. When compared with normal controls, Zn, Br, and Rb levels in lung, liver, and skeletal muscle and Zn and Sr levels in bone from tumor-bearing mice exhibited large fluctuations at critical points in the tumor life cycle. In addition, the 24-day primary tumor trace element profile resembled that of its tissue of origin, normal lung, and was quite different from other normal tissues studied. These findings indicate that trace element profiles may help in the diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of disease. RIXRF is an excellent technique for this purpose because it is sensitive and relatively nondestructive of samples and has multielement capabilities.