Dynamics of serum total thiol levels at the treatment of laryngeal cancer patients

Thiol groups of the intra and extracellular molecules are antioxidant and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, but dynamics data of serum total thiol (sTT) levels in patients at laryngeal cancer are almost absent. Purpose of the study: Determination and comparison the serum total thiol levels at different stages of special treatment methods in laryngeal cancer patients. Material and methods: In twenty-eight laryngeal cancer (T2-3 NX M0 category) patients’ examination of the thiol status dynamics was carried out before, during and after the combined treatment with “ELISA” diagnostics test system. Results: Almost a twofold decrease in sTT content indicators was noted but no identified statistically significant differences between T2 and T3 categories tumors. There was an increase in sTT levels in patients in the postoperative and during radiation therapy period, which, however, were below the control values. At the same time, when the combined treatment was completed, a significant decrease in the level of sTT was noted, which emphasizes the need for long-term antioxidant therapy. Higher sTT levels have been associated with a reduced risk of laryngeal cancer recurrence. Conclusions: In laryngeal cancer patients, the level of serum total thiol was lower than in patients of the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in sTT levels in patients with T2 and T3 tumors. Low levels of the serum total thiol are related with predict a poor outcome for patients.