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High-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and cancer mortality

Young-Jin Ko1, Young-Min Kwon, Kyae Hyung Kim

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, Center for Health Promotion, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.

Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention : a Publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, Cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology
|November 9, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) indicates increased cancer mortality risk, particularly lung cancer in men. This inflammatory marker helps identify individuals at higher risk for cancer death.

Area of Science:

  • Biomarkers
  • Inflammation
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Inflammation plays a role in cancer initiation and progression.
  • High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a key inflammatory marker.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum hs-CRP levels and mortality in apparently cancer-free Koreans.
  • To examine all-cause, cancer-specific, and site-specific cancer mortality risks based on hs-CRP levels.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 33,567 participants with available serum hs-CRP data.
  • Follow-up for mortality occurred from baseline until December 31, 2008 (average 9.4 years).

Main Results:

  • Elevated hs-CRP (≥3 mg/L) was linked to increased all-cause and cancer mortality in men.
  • A trend of increased mortality was observed in women, though not statistically significant.
  • Elevated hs-CRP was associated with a significantly higher risk of lung cancer mortality in both sexes combined.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated hs-CRP levels in apparently cancer-free individuals may predict increased all-cause and cancer mortality.
  • hs-CRP can serve as a valuable marker for identifying individuals at elevated risk of cancer death, especially lung cancer in men.
Abstract

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