Nowadays it has been established that metals and metal-induced oxidative stress 
act on signal transduction pathways, and are in association with cancer growth 
and spreading as well as in neurodegenerative disorders. In cases of several 
neurodegenerative diseases metals, especially Al, can be considered as a risk 
factor. Frequency of chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment or "chemobrain" 
is mentioned to be significant in literature, although very little is known 
about the chemotherapy-caused chemobrain and its connection with metal 
homeostasis alteration. Dysregulation of metal homeostasis can be assumed as one 
of the key factors in the progression of neurodegeneration. Therefore we were 
interested in studying metal element status of 27 adult patients in 3 years 
after their colectomy, 22 outpatients and 10 healthy volunteers in both genders. 
Tumour markers, laboratory parameters and metal element concentrations were 
determined. We found significant difference among the Al concentrations in 
operated patients compared with controls. Redox active Fe and Cu levels were 
also elevated slightly in this patient group. P and S concentrations changed in 
different ways, and Ca levels were slightly lower, than in healthy controls. 
Because of all above mentioned, examination of metal homeostasis in cancerous 
patients is necessary to moderate the risk of chemobrain and other redox-related 
disorders.