C-Reactive Protein and Cancer Risk Assessment
Summary
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a central acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines. As a sensitive marker of systemic inflammation, CRP has been investigated for its role in both the initiation and progression of cancer. Elevations in CRP may reflect chronic inflammatory processes that promote DNA damage, angiogenesis and tumour cell survival. In clinical practice, high-sensitivity CRP assays enable detection of low-grade inflammation and have been examined as part of multivariable risk models alongside genetic, metabolic and lifestyle factors. Across a range of malignancies—including breast, colorectal, lung and pancreatic cancers—higher circulating CRP levels are consistently associated with increased incidence, more aggressive tumour phenotypes and poorer overall survival. Incorporating CRP into risk stratification holds promise for refining screening strategies, guiding surveillance intensity and tailoring anti-inflammatory interventions in oncology care.
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C-Reactive Protein and Cancer Risk Assessment publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in c-reactive protein and cancer risk assessment across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Acute-phase protein: a plasma protein whose concentration changes markedly during inflammatory responses.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein: an assay for detecting low concentrations of CRP indicative of chronic inflammation.
Monomeric CRP (mCRP): the dissociated, bioactive form of CRP that inserts into cell membranes and modulates local inflammation.
Pentameric CRP (pCRP): the circulating, weakly anti-inflammatory form of CRP quantified in standard assays.
Tumour microenvironment: the cellular and molecular milieu surrounding tumour cells, including immune components and extracellular matrix.
References
- Hematological and biochemical markers influencing breast cancer risk and mortality: Prospective cohort study in the UK Biobank by multi-state models. The Breast (2023).
- The Significance of C-Reactive Protein Value and Tumor Grading for Malignant Tumors: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (2024).
- C-Reactive Protein and Cancer—Diagnostic and Therapeutic Insights. Frontiers in Immunology (2020).
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