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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Colorectal Cancer Cell Surface Protein Profiling Using an Antibody Microarray and Fluorescence Multiplexing
Published on: September 25, 2011
C-reactive protein and the risk of incident colorectal cancer
Thomas P Erlinger1, Elizabeth A Platz, Nader Rifai
1Department of Medicine, Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Md 21205, USA. terlinge@jhmi.edu
Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels indicate a higher risk of developing colon cancer. This study suggests inflammation is a key factor in colon cancer development for average-risk individuals.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Inflammation is a suspected factor in colorectal cancer development.
- Limited epidemiological data exists for average-risk populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and the risk of incident colon and rectal cancer.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, nested case-control study of 22,887 adults.
- 172 colorectal cancer cases were identified and matched with controls.
- Plasma CRP concentrations were measured at baseline.
Main Results:
- Higher plasma CRP concentrations were observed in colorectal cancer cases compared to controls.
- Elevated CRP was significantly associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, particularly in nonsmokers.
- A 1-SD increase in log CRP was linked to a 35% increased risk of colon cancer after adjustments.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma CRP concentrations are associated with subsequent colon cancer development.
- Findings support inflammation as a risk factor for colon cancer in average-risk individuals.
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