Selenium Levels Linked to Low Risk of Esophageal Cancer

Selenium may slow the progression of esophageal cancer, according to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Because selenium has a track record of potentially inhibiting other forms of cancer, researchers decided to investigate the lesser known relationship between selenium levels and cancer of the esophagus.

The researchers undertook their study in subjects with Barrett's esophagus, whose risk of developing esophageal cancer is substantially higher than that of the general population. The study authors collected the medical history, blood samples, and esophageal tissue specimens from 399 people who suffered from Barrett's esophagus. They also measured serum selenium levels in the subjects and analyzed markers that signify the possible development of cancer.

The results indicated that subjects with the highest selenium levels were less likely to have abnormal tissue development (dysplasia) and less likely to have an abnormal number of chromosomes (aneuploidy) than those with the lowest levels of selenium. High serum selenium levels were also associated with reductions in other markers of cancer development. Selenium appeared to influence later stages of cancer development rather than affecting the early progression of cancer.

Reference:

Rudolph RE, Vaughan TL, Kristal AR, Blount PL, Levine DS, Galipeau PC, Prevo LJ, Sanchez CA, Rabinovitch PS, Reid BJ. Serum selenium levels in relation to markers of neoplastic progression among persons with Barrett's esophagus. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2003 May 21;95(10):750-7.