C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio is an Independent Risk Factor for Recurrence and Survival in Older Patients with Colorectal Cancer

The study investigated prognostic factors in older patients (≥70 years) and younger patients (<70 years) with stage I-III colorectal cancer after curative resection. In older patients, preoperative low body mass index, high C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, and comorbidities were associated with poor prognosis, while tumor factors were associated with poor prognosis in younger patients. Importantly, the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio was independently associated with poor overall survival and recurrence-free survival in older patients. The ratio was a superior prognostic indicator compared to other inflammation-based indices in older patients throughout postoperative observation periods.