Prognostic importance of plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) in oncology

Chronic inflammation has a key role in the pathogenesis of malignancy. C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced due to the induction of inflammatory cytokines primarily in hepatocytes. In case of malignant diseases CRP might be elevated without any other condition of inflammation. Thus in the literature the authors searched for correlation between CRP levels and the course of malignant diseases. Normal CRP level measured at baseline correlates with longer overall survival in early staged malignancies. Lower CRP level at baseline predicts better prognosis in locally advanced or metastatic stages. Based on the available data, baseline CRP might be a prognostic factor in oncological diseases. Further prospective studies are warranted in various locally advanced and metastatic malignancies to clarify a possible prognostic and predictive role of CRP.