Recently, we have shown that, using established cutoffs, a combination of an elevated C-reactive protein and hypoalbuminaemia, the Glasgow Prognostic score (GPS) has prognostic value, independent of stage and performance status, in patients with inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer (Forrest et al, 2003, 2004, 2005). This evidence concerns the gene CRP and non-small cell lung carcinoma.