The relationship between high sensitivity C-reactive protein and the risk of lung cancer among smoking males in Kailuan group

Objective To investigate whether elevated levels of hsCRP (high sensitivity C-reactive protein)at baseline are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer among smoking males in Kailuan group. Methods 38 099 males from the Chinese Kailuan cohort were enrolled in the study in July 2006. All of the subjects were followed-up through Dec 31,2014. Levels of high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) were tested and demographic information and risk factor data were collected at baseline for all subjects. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for baseline levels of hsCRP after adjusting for age, smoking, drinking, BMI, and diabetes, and risk of lung cancer. Results By Dec 31, 2014, a total of 333 incident lung cancer cases accrued. Three groups were divided according to the level of hsCRP (<1 mg/L, 1-3 mg/L and >3 mg/L). The 8-year cumulative incidence of lung cancer were 727/100 000, 995/100 000 and 1 344/100 000 in these 3 groups, respectively (χ²=23.79,P<0.001). Compared to males with lower hsCRP levels (<1 mg/L), males with higher hsCRP (1-3 mg/L and >3 mg/L) levels had significant increased risks of lung cancer (HR=1.37, 95% CI=1.06-1.77, P=0.017 and HR=1.69, 95% CI=1.29-2.23, P<0.001 respectively) after adjusting for age, smoking, drinking, BMI and diabetes. Conclusions Elevated levels of hsCRP at baseline might increase the risk of lung cancer in smoking males.