Tumor size is associated with the systemic inflammatory response but not survival in patients with primary operable colorectal cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between tumor diameter, C-reactive protein concentrations and survival in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer.


METHODS
Tumor diameter and pathological characteristics of the resected specimen were assessed in 227 patients. Circulating concentrations of C-reactive protein were measured prior to surgery.


RESULTS
Ninety-six patients had an elevated C-reactive protein concentration (>10 mg/L) prior to surgery. Tumor size was associated with an elevated C-reactive protein concentration (P < 0.001). C-reactive protein concentrations (P < 0.001) were associated with poorer cancer-specific survival.


CONCLUSIONS
Prior to surgery, the maximal tumor diameter is associated with an elevated preoperative C-reactive protein concentration but not survival in patients with primary operable colorectal cancer.
Crozier
Joseph Em
JE
University Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
McMillan
Donald C
DC
McArdle
Colin S
CS
Angerson
Wilson J
WJ
Anderson
John H
JH
Horgan
Paul G
PG
McKee
Ruth F
RF
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care; D016019:Survival Analysis; D018746:Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / Q000473:pathology*; D047368:Tumor Burden
D002097:C-Reactive Protein