Discovery could lead to cancer blood test

Portland, Ore. -- Researchers in Oregon say they've identified a protein marker for prostate cancer survival.

The Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute said Friday the C-reactive protein, also known as CRP, is elevated in the presence of inflammation.

"This could mean that a simple blood test that is already available could help patients and doctors make better decisions as they become more informed about what to expect from the prostate cancer they are facing," Dr. Tomasz Beer, director of the Prostate Cancer Research program, said in a release.

The findings were presented Friday at the American Society of Clinical Oncologists meeting in Chicago.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.