Serum level of C-reactive protein may be a marker for proliferation of esophageal carcinoma

We herein show the significance of the serum level of C-reactive protein as an indicator of proliferation in esophageal carcinoma. The patient was a 7 0-year-old male with advanced squamous cell carcinoma in the lower location of the esophagus, and in whom an esophagectomy and reconstruction with a g astric tube through the intrathoracic route was performed. When he was late r hospitalized again due to recurrent tumor, the serum C-reactive protein l evel was 5.0mg/dL and it later increased to 10.8mg/dL along with the prolif eration of the tumor. After performing chemotherapy, the concentration of t he serum C-reactive protein decreased to the negative level with a simultan eous improvement in his cachexic condition and the eventual disappearance o f the tumor.