Biochemical status of vitamin A in colorectal cancer

Abstract

Serum vitamin A and its carrier proteins, retinol-binding protein and prealbumin, were measured in 41 colorectal cancer patients, 40 patients with benign colorectal disease, and 31 healthy subjects. Serum samples were obtained from the Mayo Clinic (NCI-Serum diagnostic Bank, Rochester, MN), The values for each of the three parameters were significantly lower in colorectal cancer patients than in healthy subjects but were litte1e different from the val ues seen in patients with benign disease.