Study of the Hair Matrix in EDX for the Detection of Heavy Metals in Patients with Cancer and Belonging to the Campania Geographical Area

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is find a correlation between Heavy Metals presence in Hair matrix and cancer. We have made an analysis of the hair matrix throught the technique of EDX in SEM. The sample collection procedure is not invasive, it allows easy retrieval of the sample with a significant compliance for the patient and the transport and storage do not require special precautions. Material and Methods: Given the biological characteristics of the sample (hair matrix), we opted for a technique that in our opinion can give our study a high impact in terms of sensitivity, specificity and repeatability of the examination on the same sample. Therefore we have identified in the EDX technique, thanks to its sensitivity in tracking and verifying quantities, very small in terms of nanomoles / nm, of all the elements of the periodic table, including the heavy metals of our interest. Results: The study investigated a total of 15 patients all suffering from various types of Tumor and all belonging to the same geographical area, with particular reference to the Campania region, enclosed in the municipality of Quarto. Biological samples, human hair, collected in the manner described above, from patients in the city of Quarto were analyzed with EDX method. Conclusion: In our Opinion this study is the first step for an deeper and widely investigation about Heavy metal and their effect on people that live in That Region of Italy (Campania) especially in some areas that are more interested by that phenomena of pollution of the soil.