Title: Association between the Red Blood Cell Distribution Width-to-Albumin Ratio and Risk
of Colorectal and Gastric Cancers: A Cross-Sectional Study Using NHANES 2005–2018
Version: 3 Date: 30 Jan 2025
Reviewer's report:
This study investigates the association between the red blood cell distribution width-to-albumin
ratio (RAR) and the risk of colorectal cancer (CC) and gastric cancer (GC) using NHANES
data and Mendelian randomization analysis. While the study presents an interesting concept, its
novelty and rigor could be improved by addressing certain methodological limitations, clarifying
the biological mechanisms, and refining the statistical approach. Below are specific concerns
and recommendations.
Limited Novelty and Justification for RAR Selection
The manuscript presents RAR as a novel marker but does not provide enough justification for
its selection over other inflammatory/nutritional indices such as NLR, PLR, or CRP.
Lack of Granular Data on Colorectal Cancer Subtypes
CC is a heterogeneous disease with different molecular subtypes and risk factors. The study
does not differentiate between proximal vs. distal CC or microsatellite instability (MSI) vs.
microsatellite stability (MSS) subtypes.
Integration with Existing Cancer Screening Tools
The study suggests using RAR alongside traditional screening methods, but it does not evaluate
its incremental predictive value.
Title: Association between the Red Blood Cell Distribution Width-to-Albumin Ratio and Risk
of Colorectal and Gastric Cancers: A Cross-Sectional Study Using NHANES 2005–2018
Version: 3 Date: 30 Jan 2025
Reviewer's report:
This study investigates the association between the red blood cell distribution width-to-albumin
ratio (RAR) and the risk of colorectal cancer (CC) and gastric cancer (GC) using NHANES
data and Mendelian randomization analysis. While the study presents an interesting concept, its
novelty and rigor could be improved by addressing certain methodological limitations, clarifying
the biological mechanisms, and refining the statistical approach. Below are specific concerns
and recommendations.
Limited Novelty and Justification for RAR Selection
The manuscript presents RAR as a novel marker but does not provide enough justification for
its selection over other inflammatory/nutritional indices such as NLR, PLR, or CRP.
Lack of Granular Data on Colorectal Cancer Subtypes
CC is a heterogeneous disease with different molecular subtypes and risk factors. The study
does not differentiate between proximal vs. distal CC or microsatellite instability (MSI) vs.
microsatellite stability (MSS) subtypes.
Integration with Existing Cancer Screening Tools
The study suggests using RAR alongside traditional screening methods, but it does not evaluate
its incremental predictive value.
Please review this paper.
user
Title: Association between the Red Blood Cell Distribution Width-to-Albumin Ratio and Risk
of Colorectal and Gastric Cancers: A Cross-Sectional Study Using NHANES 2005–2018
Version: 3 Date: 30 Jan 2025
Reviewer's report:
This study investigates the association between the red blood cell distribution width-to-albumin
ratio (RAR) and the risk of colorectal cancer (CC) and gastric cancer (GC) using NHANES
data and Mendelian randomization analysis. While the study presents an interesting concept, its
novelty and rigor could be improved by addressing certain methodological limitations, clarifying
the biological mechanisms, and refining the statistical approach. Below are specific concerns
and recommendations.
Limited Novelty and Justification for RAR Selection
The manuscript presents RAR as a novel marker but does not provide enough justification for
its selection over other inflammatory/nutritional indices such as NLR, PLR, or CRP.
Lack of Granular Data on Colorectal Cancer Subtypes
CC is a heterogeneous disease with different molecular subtypes and risk factors. The study
does not differentiate between proximal vs. distal CC or microsatellite instability (MSI) vs.
microsatellite stability (MSS) subtypes.
Integration with Existing Cancer Screening Tools
The study suggests using RAR alongside traditional screening methods, but it does not evaluate
its incremental predictive value.
assistant