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C-reactive protein and malignancy: clinico-pathological association and therapeutic implication
Chia-Siu Wang1, Chien-Feng Sun
1Department of General Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan. wangcs@cgmh.org.tw
Chang Gung Medical Journal
|October 21, 2009
Summary
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key inflammation marker linked to cancer risk and progression. Elevated CRP predicts poorer survival in many cancer types, suggesting its potential in cancer monitoring and therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-established systemic biomarker for inflammation.
- Recent research highlights CRP's role in cardiovascular diseases and malignancies.
- Elevated serum CRP is observed in numerous cancers, indicating a strong inflammation-malignancy link.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the significance of C-reactive protein (CRP) in malignancy.
- To evaluate CRP's utility as a prognostic marker in various cancers.
- To discuss the potential therapeutic implications of targeting CRP in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of prospective studies and clinical data correlating CRP levels with cancer risk and outcomes.
- Analysis of CRP production pathways involving inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6.
- Examination of preoperative CRP levels in relation to tumor progression and pathological staging.
Main Results:
- Prospective studies indicate an increased cancer risk associated with elevated serum CRP.
- CRP levels correlate with the pathological stage of malignancies, such as gastric cancer.
- High preoperative CRP is a significant predictor of reduced survival rates in patients with esophageal, colorectal, liver, pancreatic, bladder, kidney, ovarian, and cervical cancers post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Serum CRP measurement is a simple, cost-effective tool for cancer prognosis and post-treatment monitoring.
- Elevated CRP is linked to poorer survival across multiple cancer types.
- Targeting CRP may offer future therapeutic benefits for cancer prevention and treatment.
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