Integrating nutritional and inflammatory biomarkers in colorectal cancer management: Implications of microsatellite instability status.

Abstract

The retrospective cohort study by Zuo et al investigates the interplay between microsatellite instability (MSI) status, nutritional indicators, and inflammatory profiles in colorectal cancer (CRC). Analyzing 56 patients, the study reveals that MSI-high tumors are associated with significantly lower serum albumin, body mass index, and absolute lymphocyte counts, alongside elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios compared to microsatellite stable tumors. These findings highlight distinct immunological and nutritional profiles in MSI-high CRC, suggesting potential clinical utility in risk stratification and personalized treatment. While the study underscores the importance of MSI status in CRC management, its single-center design and limited sample size warrant validation through multicenter trials. This article contextualizes these findings within the broader landscape of CRC research, emphasizing the need for integrating biomarker-driven strategies into clinical practice to optimize outcomes for patients with differing MSI statuses.