Figure 3.

Inflammation and inflammatory markers. The defense mechanism involves leukocytes, platelets, and liver synthesis of proteins. The increase in fibrinogen (Fib) synthesis participates in the abnormal red blood cell (RBC) rheology and the increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate. C reactive protein (CRP) blood level (pentamer) is increased. Several cytokine levels are elevated. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is produced by endothelial cells (EC) and liver cells. Macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) is secreted by EC, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF), and interleukin-1β (IL1) by lymphocytes. The blood levels of cytokines are indicators of the inflammatory reaction induced by colorectal cancer. Circulating tumor cell (CTC) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can be measured in blood and used as an index of tumor progression.