ABSTRACT
Much has been written on the physiological and biochemical importance of potassium, but few reports have attempted to elucidate the influence potassium has on the cancer process. In general, high potassium is associated with decreased risk of cancer and with the inhibition of tumor growth. The levels of potassium reported may be from diet, intracellular or extracellular fluids, serum or plasma. This chapter reviews reports in humans, animals, and cell cultures that illustrate the relationships between potassium and other electrolytes and the carcinogenic process. Jansson's study indicated that cancer risks were reduced when intracellular potassium levels were elevated, while cancer risks were increased when intracellular sodium levels were increased. Potassium is primarily an intracellular cation, and total body potassium (TBK) is a measure of total body cellular mass. TBK can be measured in vivo noninvasively by a whole-body counter since natural potassium contains measurable amounts of the radioisotope.
