Prognostic Value of Glasgow Prognostic Score in Relation to TNM Staging of Colorectal Cancer

Background: One of the main causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent type of cancer. Despite treatment advancements, the prognosis for advanced-stage colorectal cancer remains unfavourable. The tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system is commonly utilized for prognostic assessment; however, it fails to incorporate systemic inflammation, a significant factor in cancer progression. The Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), which utilizes serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin levels, serves as an inflammation-based prognostic instrument that could improve risk assessment in CRC. Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine the predictive importance of systemic inflammation in disease development in CRC patients by examining the association between GPS and TNM staging. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional design involving 88 patients with colorectal cancer at Department of General Surgery, AIIMS, Patna, Bihar, India. GPS was assessed through CRP and albumin levels, and TNM staging was categorized according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition guidelines. Statistical analysis, utilizing chi-square tests, was conducted to assess the relationship between GPS and TNM staging, with significance established at p < 0.05. Results: GPS and TNM stage were shown to be significantly correlated (p = 0.0123). Increased GPS scores were observed in Stage III patients, suggesting an association between systemic inflammation and disease advancement. Stage IV patients exhibited a greater proportion of GPS 0, indicating a complex interplay between inflammation and tumor burden. Conclusion: The findings indicate that GPS is substantially linked with TNM staging in patients with CRC. Integrating GPS with TNM staging could enhance prognostic accuracy and facilitate personalized treatment planning. Additional research is required to investigate the biological mechanisms that underlie this association.