colorectal-cancer

Simple ratio of two blood test values predicts survival in metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

CA19-9/albumin ratio (cutoff 5.81) independently predicted shorter PFS (9.6 vs. 16.1 months) and OS (23.3 vs. 32.6 months) in 178 de novo mCRC patients starting standard chemotherapy + biologics. The ratio simultaneously reflects tumor burden (CA19-9) and host nutritional status (albumin), both…

Dan Manning

Dan Manning

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Simple ratio of two blood test values predicts survival in metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

Simple ratio of two blood test values predicts survival in metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

CA19-9/albumin ratio (cutoff 5.81) independently predicted shorter PFS (9.6 vs. 16.1 months) and OS (23.3 vs. 32.6 months) in 178 de novo mCRC patients starting standard chemotherapy + biologics. The ratio simultaneously reflects tumor burden (CA19-9) and host nutritional status (albumin), both from routine blood tests.

Key Findings

  • High CA19-9/albumin ratio (cutoff 5.81) independently predicted shorter PFS and OS
  • PFS: 9.6 vs. 16.1 months; OS: 23.3 vs. 32.6 months
  • Reflects combined tumor burden and host status
  • Both components from routine blood tests at no additional cost
  • 178 de novo mCRC patients treated with standard combination therapy

Implications

CA19-9/albumin ratio could be integrated into clinical practice as an inexpensive prognostic tool. High-ratio patients may benefit from intensified nutritional support.

Caveats

Retrospective single-center Turkish study (n=178); abstract-only. External validation needed. CA19-9 not elevated in all CRC patients.

Source: Medicine — 2026-04-10

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