Elevated preoperative C-reactive protein predicts poor cancer specific survival in patients undergoing resection for non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Although only the minority of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are suitable for surgical resection, it offers the best possibility of cure. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the clinicopathological status, the preoperative systemic inflammatory response, and survival in patients undergoing potentially curative resection for NSCLC.

Methods: Data from 96 patients who underwent resection of NSCLC between 2000 and 2003 were collected retrospectively and that for 2004-2006 prospectively.