Evaluation of the Relationship between C-Reactive Protein and Prostate Cancer

In the last decade, accumulating evidence has supported Virchow’s hypothesis that cancer and inflammation are linked. Many investigators have demonstrated that the presence of a systemic inflammatory response, as evidenced by an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level or elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, are associated with a poor outcome in patients with many types of cancer, including prostate cancer. CRP is a serum acute phase reactant and a well established inflammatory marker. CRP secretion by hepatocytes appears controlled by IL-6. We examined the role of CRP to predict treatment response and tumor recurrence. Thumer et al. have indicated that elevated CRP levels and poor prognosis was independent of other measures of prognosis such as tumor stage, Gleason grading and PSA level at diagnosis. CRP had a specific role in prostate cancer progression and or resistance. Therefore, inhibitors of CRP (Siltuximab) might make for attractive therapeutic agents.