Neuro-oncology Caregiver Intervention Associated With Changes in C-Reactive Protein

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Oncology
• Primary Care Medicine

Background:

• Neuro-oncology family caregivers experience documented stress biomarkers.
• Current biomarkers are not routinely assessed in primary care, limiting clinical utility.
• C-reactive protein (CRP) is a potential, clinically relevant biomarker for caregiver stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of an 8-week nurse-caregiver collaborative problem-solving intervention.
• To assess changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in adult neuro-oncology family caregivers.
• To determine the clinical relevance of CRP as a stress biomarker in this population.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial involving 80 neuro-oncology family caregivers.
• CRP levels measured at baseline and immediately post-intervention.
• Generalized linear modeling and cardiac risk evaluation used for analysis.

Main Results:

• Significant time × group interaction found for CRP levels (P < .03).
• Intervention group showed decreased mean CRP (1.11 to 0.88); control group showed increased mean CRP (0.63 to 1.30).
• Fewer intervention group caregivers (11%) experienced increased cardiovascular risk (defined by CRP) compared to controls (50%).

Conclusions:

• C-reactive protein (CRP) may serve as a clinically relevant measure of caregiver stress.
• Primary care providers should consider routine CRP testing for neuro-oncology caregivers.
• CRP testing can facilitate early identification of stress and cardiovascular risk, enabling timely interventions.