C-reactive protein (CRP) as tumor marker in pediatric and adolescent patients with Hodgkin disease.
BACKGROUND
C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein produced in the liver. An elevated CRP is a nonspecific marker of inflammation. Additionally, it also appears to be a prognostic marker in several malignancies. Elevated CRP levels in adult patients with Hodgkin disease (HD) were reported previously. However, levels of CRP have not been evaluated in pediatric and adolescent HD patients.


METHODS
We analyzed CRP serum levels in 95 consecutive pediatric and adolescent patients with Hodgkin disease. CRP levels were correlated with stage, absence or presence of B symptoms, and prognosis.


RESULTS
At the time of diagnosis increased serum CRP levels were found in 64 % (61/95) of the patients with a median of 21 mg/L (range: <5-211). Serum C-reactive protein levels correlated with stage and were higher in patients with B symptoms. Higher CRP levels were associated with an increased risk of relapse.


CONCLUSIONS
In addition to soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels, CRP holds promise as a diagnostic and prognostic index and follow-up monitor in pediatric and adolescent patients with Hodgkin disease, and merits further investigation.
Wieland
Annemarie
A
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Kerbl
Reinhold
R
Berghold
Andrea
A
Schwinger
Wolfgang
W
Mann
Georg
G
Urban
Christian
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001317:Austria; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006689:Hodgkin Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002097:C-Reactive Protein