Association Between Inflammatory Biomarker C-Reactive Protein and Radiotherapy-Induced Early Adverse Skin Reactions...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiotherapy
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Radiotherapy (RT) for breast cancer can cause early adverse skin reactions.
• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is an inflammatory biomarker.
• Predicting and managing RT-induced skin toxicity is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) as a predictive biomarker for radiotherapy-induced skin toxicities in breast cancer patients.
• To assess the association between hsCRP levels and the severity of skin reactions post-RT.

Main Methods:

• Prospective evaluation of 1,000 breast cancer patients undergoing RT.
• Measurement of pre- and post-RT plasma hsCRP levels.
• Assessment of skin toxicities using Oncology Nursing Society criteria and multivariable logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Obesity and elevated post-RT hsCRP (≥ 4.11 mg/L) were significantly associated with grade 4+ skin toxicity.
• In nonobese patients, above-median post-RT hsCRP and hsCRP change significantly predicted grade 4+ skin toxicity.
• hsCRP levels varied by race and body mass index.

Conclusions:

• This study identifies hsCRP as a potential biomarker for predicting severe RT-induced skin toxicity in breast cancer.
• Elevated hsCRP levels and changes during RT, particularly in nonobese patients, indicate a higher risk of grade 4+ skin toxicity.
• These findings may aid in predicting RT responses and guiding treatment decisions.