Abstract

Background:

Breast cancer is associated with substantial metabolic and oxidative stress, which may be reflected in routinely measurable biochemical parameters. Serum uric acid has emerged as a potential indicator of oxidative and metabolic alterations, whereas serum creatinine remains an established marker for monitoring renal function during cancer treatment. Evaluating these accessible biochemical biomarkers may support sustainable healthcare practices, evidence-based clinical decision-making, and improved patient care.

Objective:

To evaluate and compare serum uric acid and serum creatinine levels in patients with breast cancer before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with a focus on their potential role in cancer treatment monitoring and improved health outcomes.

Methods:

A prospective, hospital-based observational study was conducted among 50 women with newly diagnosed, histopathologically confirmed breast cancer. Venous blood samples were collected before initiation of treatment and two weeks after completion of four cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Serum uric acid was estimated using the uricase–peroxidase enzymatic colorimetric method, while serum creatinine was measured using the modified Jaffe kinetic method on an automated analyzer. Pre- and post-treatment values were compared using paired statistical analysis, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results:

The mean serum uric acid concentration decreased significantly from 7.82 ± 1.74 mg/dL before treatment to 7.01 ± 1.58 mg/dL after treatment (paired t = 5.62, p < 0.001). The proportion of patients with elevated serum uric acid decreased from 62.0% to 44.0%. In contrast, serum creatinine showed no significant change, with mean values of 0.88 ± 0.19 mg/dL before treatment and 0.90 ± 0.20 mg/dL after treatment (paired t = 1.08, p = 0.287). Serum creatinine remained within the normal range in the majority of patients before and after treatment (88.0% and 86.0%, respectively).

Conclusion:

Serum uric acid demonstrated a significant decline following four cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, whereas serum creatinine remained relatively stable. These findings suggest that serial serum uric acid estimation may provide supportive information regarding metabolic changes during breast cancer treatment, while serum creatinine remains useful for monitoring renal status. The use of affordable and accessible biochemical biomarkers may contribute to sustainable healthcare practices, evidence-based cancer care, and improved patient outcomes. This research supports the broader objectives of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Good Health and Well-being, with particular relevance to women's health and breast cancer care. Further multicenter studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are warranted to establish the clinical and prognostic significance of these findings.