These results confirm the importance of tumour grade as a stage independent prognostic factor (Ali-El-Dein et al, 2003; Nishiyama et al, 2004) and are consistent with the work of O'Quigley et al (1981), who reported that an elevated C-reactive protein concentration, measured by radial immunodiffusion and using the limit of sensitivity of 12 mg l−1 as a cutoff, was associated with poor survival in patients with invasive bladder cancer. Here, CRP is linked to neoplasm.