Patients with anemia (n = 18) presented with higher inflammation and immune activation markers (CRP: 7.3±1.9 vs. 1.3±.4 mg/dl, p<0.001; neopterin: 16.6±3.2 nmol/L vs. 9.0±1.0 nmol/L, p<0.05) and lower tryptophan levels (42.9±3.0 μmol/L vs. 59.0±2.9 μmol/L), and accordingly with an increased Kyn/Trp (65.6±11.6 vs. 45.8±7.3 μmol/mmol) as compared to cancer patients without anemia. The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is cancer.