Identification of Risk Factors for Early Neoplasm

Abstract

Inflammation, especially chronic inflammation, is a significant factor in the development of solid tumor malignancies (2). Several inflammation markers, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and amyloid protein, can be detected in the blood circula­tion and serve as risk factors for early neoplasm. CRP is nonspecific but is the most sensitive marker of inflammation. IL-6, IL-1, and tumor necrosis factor alpha induce the synthesis of CRP in hepatocytes. Its role as a predictor of survival has been shown in multiple myeloma, melanoma, lymphoma, ovarian, renal, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal tumors (3). Chronic infection by viruses, bacteria, parasites, chemical irritants, nondigestible particles, or nonin­fectious sources all may result in chronic inflammation, a major risk factor for cancer. The longer inflammation persists, the higher the risk of associated carcinogenesis. It is well known that during the phagocytosis of bacteria or virus-infected cells, a powerful mixture of oxidants such as nitric oxide (NO), O2 and H2O2 are released. These oxidants from infection may cause oxidative damage to DNA, leading to mutations and eventually carcinogenesis (4).