Peripheral blood inflammatory parameters in patients with colorectal cancer

Introduction. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. The introduction of novel diagnostic and treatment methods has resulted in decreasing mortality rates; however, an increase in morbidity is observed. Severe inflammation plays an important role in many aspects associated with carcinogenesis. Neoplasia and inflammatory response are mutually related. Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between preoperative serum C-reactive protein levels and total leukocyte count in colorectal cancer patients in comparison with postoperative histopathological findings depending on whether there was neoplastic infiltration of the local adipose tissue or not. Material and methods. The study population included 50 patients with colon cancer. Exclusion criteria were distant metastases, neoadjuvant therapy and a past history of cancer diagnosis. Blood findings were compared with histopathology. Patients were divided into two groups – with and without neoplastic infiltration of fat tissue in histopathology. Results. Serum C-reactive protein levels were evaluated in all patients. The tested indicator was higher in the group with infiltration, but was not statistically significant. Additionally, the WBC count was normal in both groups, but it was lower in the group with infiltration, and the result was statistically significant. Conclusions. C-reactive protein level and total leukocyte count can be a helpful and supportive marker in staging in colorectal cancer patients. Owing to the wide availability and low cost of the above mentioned blood tests, they may be easily performed in daily medical practice. The decrease in the total leukocyte count was proportional with higher cancer stage; therefore, it needs to be further investigated.