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Erschienen in: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology 10/2019

06.09.2019 | Original Article – Clinical Oncology

C-reactive protein as an early marker of immune-related adverse events

verfasst von: Amir-Reza Abolhassani, Gerold Schuler, Michael Constantin Kirchberger, Lucie Heinzerling

Erschienen in: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology | Ausgabe 10/2019

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Abstract

Purpose

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective against a wide variety of cancers. However, they also induce a plethora of unique immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Since for many organ systems symptoms can be unspecific, differential diagnosis with progression of disease or infection may be difficult. C-reactive protein (CRP) has been suggested as a marker for infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of CRP in differentiating infectious causes from autoimmune side effects induced by ICIs.

Methods

In order to investigate the role of CRP in irAEs, we screened our patient data base. Only events with full infectious workup were included. In total 88 events of irAEs in 37 melanoma patients were analyzed. CRP levels before and during irAEs were evaluated. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Chi-square test for categorical variables.

Results

At the onset of irAE, CRP rose in 93% of cases to a mean of 52.7 mg/L (CI 35.1–70.3) from 8.4 mg/L at baseline (normal < 5 mg/L) (P < 0.0001). Other causes of CRP elevation including infectious diseases were excluded, and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were normal in 92% of events. Importantly, in 42% of cases CRP elevations preceded clinical symptoms.

Conclusion

CRP elevation can predict the onset of irAEs in patients treated with ICIs in the absence of infectious disease.
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Metadaten
Titel
C-reactive protein as an early marker of immune-related adverse events
verfasst von
Amir-Reza Abolhassani
Gerold Schuler
Michael Constantin Kirchberger
Lucie Heinzerling
Publikationsdatum
06.09.2019
Verlag
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Erschienen in
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology / Ausgabe 10/2019
Print ISSN: 0171-5216
Elektronische ISSN: 1432-1335
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-019-03002-1

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