The relationship between C- reactive protein and oral squamous cell carcinoma in a Kenyan Centre: A case control study

Abstract

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth most common cancer in the world with several aetiological factors including inflammation having been associated with the disease. Inflammatory markers including interleukin 6(IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), have been shown to be elevated in OSCC and wide geographical variations have been reported. Information about the association between CRP and OSCC in Kenya is scanty in the published literature and therefore this study aimed to determine the relationship between the disease and CRP in a Kenyan population.

Objectives: To determine the relationship between C-reactive protein and Oral Squamous cell carcinoma in a Kenyan centre.

Study design: This was a case control study Study participants: Cases were patients who presented to the Kenyatta National Hospital with OSCC while age and gender matched controls were patients in the same hospital who did not have the disease.

Results: Of the 157 cases 61.8% and 38.2% were males and females respectively, with mean age of 58 Years (SD 13.2 years). The mean CRP levels were 10.55mg/l and 20.92mg/l for cases and controls respectively and this difference was significant (critical ratio 3.91, p<0.01). After setting up different cut-off points of 3mg/l, 5mg/l and 10mg/l patients with OSCC had a significant likelihood of having CRP levels of greater than 5mg/l (OR=19.98, 95% CI 6.65-60.05)

Conclusion: This study reveals that patients with OSCC are more likely to have systemic inflammation resulting in production of C-reactive proteins. Assessment of CRP would be valuable in the management of this disease.