ماجستير / Master's

This thesis proposal outlines a case-control study investigating the role of serum trace elements in female breast cancer patients in Sudan. Study Background Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. While trace elements play essential roles in metabolic pathways, enzymatic catalysis, and oxidative stress defenses, their potential impact on tumor progression remains complex and inconsistent across global populations. Tumor cells require high levels of ATP and show accelerated metabolic activity, such as glycolysis and lipolysis, which rely on trace elements as catalytic cofactors. Despite previous research, localized, high-quality data regarding serum trace element profiles in Sudanese women with breast cancer remains limited. Study ObjectivesGeneral Objective: To investigate serum trace element levels and their potential associations with breast cancer subgroups in Sudanese patients receiving care at the Breast Cancer Center of Khartoum in September 2022. Specific Objectives:Measure serum levels of specific trace elements—specifically Zinc, Copper, and Magnesium ($\mu\text{g/L}$)—in breast cancer patients using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Evaluate relationships between these serum element levels and breast cancer. Assess major clinical and demographic risk factors associated with breast cancer in the study cohort. Anticipated Outcomes & MethodologyStudy Population: A case-control, hospital-based study involving 100 diagnosed female breast cancer patients (aged over 40) compared with 50 healthy female controls. Primary Outcomes: Quantitative measurement and statistical analysis (using SPSS version 26) comparing trace element concentration variations between healthy controls and breast cancer patients, alongside secondary blood biochemical parameters (blood glucose and lipid profiles) and structured risk factor questionnaires. Impact: The findings aim to elucidate whether altered serum concentrations of Zinc, Copper, or Magnesium could serve as useful biochemical markers, prognostic indicators, or diagnostic targets for breast cancer management in Sudan.

The proposal was ethically approved by the ethical committee of the University of Bahri. The consent will be taken from each patient, and the permission from the Northern State Ministry of the Health and general manager of the hospital will be obtained. Research proposes and objectives will be explained to participant in clear simple words. Participant has right to voluntary informed consent. Participant has right to withdraw at any time. Participant has right to benefit from the researcher skills and knowledge. Participant has right to no harm (privacy and confidentiality by using coded data sheet). Investigation results will be showed to the participant immediately. Remaining blood sample will not be reused for other study. Precautions during sample collection will be taken into a count to protect from Covid 19. The filled sheets will be burned after completion the study.

5ml of blood samples will be collected using EDTA or citrate as an anticoagulant, and be mixed for 10-20 min, then it will centrifuged at the speed of 2000-3000 r.p.m. for 20 min.

The findings aim to elucidate whether altered serum concentrations of Zinc, Copper, or Magnesium could serve as useful biochemical markers, prognostic indicators, or diagnostic targets for breast cancer management in Sudan.