IL6 and neoplasm: Raised levels of CRP, an acute phase protein (APP), and proinflammatory cytokines, especially IL-6, are strong, independent prognostic factors for survival in a number of tumour types including breast, renal cell, prostate and colorectal cancers (Jamieson et al, 2005; Al Murri et al, 2006; Crozier et al, 2006; Lamb et al, 2006; McArdle et al, 2006).