Elevated serum CRP level as potential biomarker of different stages of bladder cancer
Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration in patients with bladder cancer, as well as to determine its potential role as biomarker in the differentiation of different stages of the disease. Methods: The study included 90 patients with bladder carcinoma who were divided into 3 groups: 30 patients with non-invasive, superficial (Ta), 30 patients with superficial (T1), and 30 patients with invasive (T2-T4) bladder cancer. Serum CRP level was determined by laser nephelometry. Results: Serum CRP levels in T2-T4 group of patients was 8.65 (3.20-18.20) mg/dL and significantly higher compared to the serum CRP level in Ta group of patients (1.55 (0.67 - 3,35) mg/dL; p<0.005), T1 group (1.90 (1.27-7.20) mg/dL, p=0.006) and compared to the control group of patients (1.20 (0.90-2.10) mg/dL; p<0.005). Multiple linear regression revealed that serum CRP level was independently associated with the tumor size (β = 0.376; p<0.001). There was an independent positive association between CRP and high progressing potential of the bladder cancer. Conclusion: CRP might have a significant role as a biomarkerin the diagnosis of this disease, with special attention on its potential role in differentiating different stages of the disease. Keywords: C-reactive protein, bladder cancer, biomarker, inflammation