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

Stress biomarkers are documented in neuro-oncology family caregivers, although those reported to date are not routinely assessed in primary care, limiting their clinical utility.

This secondary analysis explored the impact of an 8-week, nurse-caregiver collaborative problem-solving intervention on a clinically relevant biomarker (C-reactive protein [CRP]) in adult neuro-oncology family caregivers.

As part of a randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a problem-solving intervention, CRP levels were obtained from 80 caregivers of persons with a primary malignant brain tumor at baseline and immediately following the intervention (intervention n = 57, control n = 23). Analysis used generalized linear modeling and evaluation of change in cardiac risk over time.

Exploratory analysis found a significant (P < .03) time × group interaction; mean CRP in the intervention group decreased over time (mean = 1.11-0.88), whereas that in the control group increased over time (mean = 0.63-1.30). A higher number of caregivers in the control group (50%) had an increase in cardiovascular risk defined by CRP level compared with those in the intervention group (11%).

Results suggest CRP may be a clinically relevant measure of caregiver stress, which is readily used in primary care practice.

Given the observed association between CRP levels and psychological stress among this cohort of neuro-oncology caregivers, primary care providers should consider incorporating CRP testing as part of routine assessments for caregiver health. This could facilitate early identification of heightened stress levels and associated cardiovascular risk, enabling timely interventions to support caregiver well-being.