Effect of extended ibuprofen administration on the acute phase protein response in colorectal cancer patients

The regulation of acute phase protein production and the relationship of the acute phase protein response to tumour growth was examined in colorectal cancer patients (n = 9). Ibuprofen (1200 mg/d) was administered for 8–11 days. Following ibuprofen administration there were reductions in circulating concentrations of C-reactive protein (P = 0.01), interleukin6 (P = 0.06), cortisol (P = 0.04) and also in the platelet count (P = 0.01). There was no significant change in albumin, insulin and carcinoembryonic antigen. These results indicate that ibuprofen administered over a prolonged period substantially reduces acute protein production via its effect on interleukin-6 and cortisol. It remains to be determined whether ibuprofen is useful in moderating tumour growth in colorectal cancer patients.