Klin Onkol 2016; 29(1): 52-58. DOI: 10.14735/amko201652.
Backround: We aimed to determine prognosis of vitality change and functional status of breast cancer survivors after primary oncological treatment using time-related diff erences of elevated levels of highly sensitive proinfl ammatory C-reactive protein (CRP). Patients and Methods: The test group consisted of 46 elderly breast cancer survivors (median age was 65 years) who completed
Vitality Scale of Short Form 36 (SF-36) after completing treatment and another retrospectively at dia gnosis. Data on tumor-related factors, treatment, and outcomes were obtained retrospectively from medical records, and linear regression analysis was performed. CRP was followed at dia gnosis and one year after primary treatment. Within the scope of this study, clinically important diff erence in the Vitality Scale was set at fi ve points of change. Results: Results showed a statistically signifi cant relationship between CRP change and vitality component of SF-36 change (rs = – 0.350, p = 0.023) in which a decrease in CRP inversely correlated with the quality of life component. The over all change was 1.078 of the vitality scale score (approximately 1 point) for each 1 unit decrease of CRP (1 mg/ L). Association of CRP levels (before and after treatment, its diff erence between these time points) with age, number of comorbidities and
stage of the disease was analyzed and no statistically signifi cant relationship was found in our study. Conclusion: Preliminary results suggested time-related diff erences in elevated CRP levels as a potentially suitable predictor for change in vitality status for long term, chronic condition for older breast cancer survivors. We suggest the interpretation schema including an understanding that CRP change of 5 mg/ L and more should be considered a potential risk factor for subsequent negative clinical outcomes.
