Comparison of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and C-Reactive Protein levels between breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory response plays an essential role in the initiation and progression of several cancers, including breast cancer. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are two inflammatory indicators that increase in many pathologic and physiologic conditions. The objectives of this study were to estimate and compare the levels of these inflammatory markers in breast cancer patients with those of apparently healthy subjects without the disease. Methods: This is a case study conducted at the National Cancer Institute, Sabratha Hospital and Medical Research Center in Zawiya, during 2019. The study population includes 80 subjects (30 healthy women and 50 confirmed breast cancer cases). The levels of ESR and CRP were investigated using standardized laboratory methods. Results: The obtained results showed that the ESR levels of the participants with breast cancer were highly significant compared to that of the controls, but there was no significant difference in levels of CRP. The levels of ESR in all stages of BC were statistically significant compared to control individuals. In contrast, no significant difference in CRP in BC patients with stage III and VI and in controls, despite the significant difference in levels of CRP noticed between BC patient with stage II and controls. There were no differences between the levels of ESR in patients with and without chronic diseases. The levels of CRP showed significant differences between patients with chronic diseases and controls. ESR levels remained elevated despite the course of BC treatment and the levels of CRP in patients, who had combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, were increased. In conclusion, this study suggests that ESR is significantly raised in breast cancer patients, whereas, there is no association between of CRP and breast cancer