Interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein in esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most aggressive malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. It is well known that cancer initiation and tumor development are closely linked with inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are acute-phase proteins involved in cancer development. It was suggested that CRP and IL-6 play potential roles in the growth and progression of malignant tumors, including EC. The aim of the study was to describe the significance of IL-6 and CRP in the development of esophageal cancer and to assess the potential role of their serum levels as prognostic indicators of EC patient's survival.