Serum Neopterin, Retinol and Alpha-tocopherol in Patients with the Carcinoma of the Esophagus

Increased serum or urinary concentrations of neopterin have been described in patients with tumors of different primary locations, but reports on neopterin in patients with esophageal carcinoma are scanty. We have studied serum neopterin, retinol and alpha-tocopherol in 45 patients with carcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction. Serum neopterin was determined using radioimmunoassay. Retinol and alpha-tocopherol were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Serum neopterin in patients with carcinoma of the esophagus was significantly increased while retinol and alpha-tocopherol were significantly decreased compared to controls. No correlation of neopterin with hemoglobin or peripheral blood cell counts was observed. During chemoradiation, neopterin increased significantly, while retinol and alpha-tocopherol did not change. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates increased serum neopterin and decreased retinol and alpha-tocopherol concentrations in patients with esophageal carcinoma. Chemoradiation induced a further increase of serum neopterin concentrations.