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Triglyceride-glucose index in predicting gastric cancer prognosis: A need for caution

  • 0Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Diseases, College of Basic Medical Sciences, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Drug Research, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, Liaoning Province, China.
World Journal of Gastroenterology +

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June 11, 2025

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June 11, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index shows potential for predicting gastric cancer prognosis, linking higher levels to poorer survival outcomes. However, its lack of cancer specificity requires cautious interpretation in clinical practice.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background

  • Gastric cancer (GC) is a major cause of cancer mortality globally.
  • Current prognostic assessment relies on pathologic and clinical staging.
  • There is a critical need for reliable, real-time prognostic biomarkers in GC.

Discussion

  • The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a marker of insulin resistance, is emerging as a potential prognostic tool for GC.
  • Elevated TyG index levels are consistently associated with inferior overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival.
  • Challenges include the TyG index's lack of cancer specificity and varying cutoff values across studies.

Key Insights

  • The TyG index reflects broader metabolic disturbances (obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease), complicating its interpretation in GC.
  • Inconsistent cutoff values across studies hinder standardized clinical application.
  • While valuable for metabolic health insights, its limited specificity warrants cautious use in GC prognosis.

Outlook

  • Further research is needed to establish standardized TyG index thresholds for GC.
  • Investigating cancer-specific modifications or combinations with other biomarkers may enhance its utility.
  • The TyG index could potentially complement existing prognostic tools if its limitations are addressed.

Keywords: