BEYOND THE TUMOR: COMPARATIVE INSIGHTS INTO BIOCHEMICAL ALTERATIONS IN CERVICAL CANCER PATIENTS UNDER CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIOTHERAPY

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains a predominant cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women, with chemotherapy and radiotherapy serving as cornerstone therapies for advanced stages. Despite their established role in tumor control, the systemic biochemical effects of these treatments remain inadequately characterized. This study aims to compare the biochemical alterations in cervical cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy versus those receiving radiotherapy, focusing on critical biomarkers such as immunoglobulins, liver enzymes (SGPT, SGOT, alkaline phosphatase), urea, bilirubin, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, fasting glucose, and total protein. These variables were selected for their involvement in immune modulation, hepatic function, metabolic regulation, and mineral homeostasis. To investigate these alterations, a prospective cohort study design was employed, wherein serum samples were collected from patients at baseline and at multiple intervals during their respective treatments. The serum concentrations of the selected biomarkers were quantified using standard clinical assays. Results demonstrated that chemotherapy induced significant elevations in hepatic enzymes (SGPT, SGOT), urea, and bilirubin, suggesting hepatocellular stress and perturbations in metabolic processes.

The findings underscored the differential biochemical pathways engaged by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, elucidating their distinct systemic effects beyond the local tumor response. This comparative analysis offers valuable insights into the broader physiological impacts of these therapeutic interventions, reinforcing the potential utility of serum biomarkers for tailoring personalized treatment strategies in cervical cancer.