Comparing The Alterations in Certain Electrolytes and Their Correlation with HIF-1ɑ in Neuroblastoma Patients Pre- and Post-Chemotherapy.

Abstract

Background: A significant obstacle to cancer treatment is the tumour microenvironment, namely tumour hypoxia.  Hypoxia is a state in which the tumor's oxygen demand exceeds its supply, which is known to be linked to immunosuppression and decreased sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiation. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine whether serum hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha, sodium, potassium, and chloride levels differ between children and adolescents with Neuroblastoma (NB) and  controls, Also, monitor the effect of chemotherapy after three cycles on these parameters. Materials and methods: Three groups of 70 cases were created: Group A consisted of 35 healthy children who served as a control group; Group B comprised 35 newly diagnosed patients; and Group C consisted of the same newly diagnosed patients after three rounds of chemotherapy. The patients' ages ranged from two months to twelve years. From May 2022 to the end of March 2023, they were cared for in Basrah Specialist Hospital for Children. Results: The current study's results showed that patients with Neuroblastoma had decreased levels of the indicator hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha following three chemotherapy treatments, whereas sodium, potassium, and chloride levels didn't change after three chemotherapy doses from when they were at the time of diagnosis. Conclusion: In order to enhance the prognosis of NB patients and create more effective and customised medicines that address NB heterogeneity, novel prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets are desperately needed in clinical settings.