title: Tumor size is associated with the systemic inflammatory response but not survival in patients with primary operable colorectal cancer.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Joseph Em
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Crozier
authors.forename: Donald C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: McMillan
authors.forename: Colin S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: McArdle
authors.forename: Wilson J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Angerson
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Paul G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Horgan
authors.forename: Ruth F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: McKee
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D002097:C-Reactive Protein