C-reactive Protein Levels Predict Breast Cancer Prognosis

Elevated C-reactive Protein (CRP) levels were predictive of a poor prognosis for breast cancer sufferers. This was independent of their lifestyle, menopause status, and presence of cardiovascular disease.

Danish investigators studied more than 2,000 breast cancer patients and followed their progress for up to seven years from diagnosis (average follow up was three years). The five-year survival decreased from 90% for low CRP to 74% for high levels of CRP, disease-free survival reduced from 87% to 74%, and deaths from breast cancer increased from 11% to 20%.

Dr. Kristine Allin from Herlev Hospital (Denmark) said, "While measuring CRP levels gives a general indication of health and longevity, measuring CRP levels for breast cancer patients seems to be an easy way to predict the severity of the patient's disease. This may allow clinicians to alter their treatment tactics and improve cancer survival rates."

CRP is a critical component of the immune system, a complex set of proteins that are produced by the liver, in response to infection or injury, when stimulated by the cytokine IL-6. Tumor sites are often associated with inflammation and this inflammation contributes to tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis.

The study was published in BioMed Central's open access journal Breast Cancer Research.

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