Title: The prognostic significance of tumor-specific growth factor in colorectal cancer: An
observation study
Version: 2 Date: 20 Mar 2025
Reviewer's report:
1. The manuscript addresses a significant clinical question regarding the prognostic role of
tumor-specific growth factor (TSGF) in colorectal cancer (CRC). The authors demonstrate
convincingly that elevated serum TSGF levels correlate with poorer prognosis. However, it
would be beneficial if the authors could further clarify the novelty of TSGF compared to
previously established prognostic markers in CRC.
2. The methods section briefly describes the serum TSGF detection technique ("rate method").
Additional details on this detection method, including sensitivity, specificity, or a reference for
its validation, would strengthen the reproducibility and transparency of the methodology.
3. The statistical approach using ROC curves and Delong’s test is appropriate and well-
conducted. Nevertheless, it would be helpful to include details of the cut-off values used to
dichotomize TSGF levels clearly, and the rationale behind choosing this threshold.
4. The authors effectively highlight the added prognostic value of combining TSGF with
traditional biomarkers (CEA, CA19-9) and TN staging. However, a detailed discussion
regarding potential clinical implementation and feasibility in routine practice would enhance the
manuscript’s practical significance.
5. While the authors include a substantial patient cohort (n=2223), a discussion of limitations
is essential. For instance, were there potential biases due to retrospective data collection?
Additionally, discussing any potential confounding factors or patient demographic variables
would help readers better interpret the robustness and generalizability of the findings.
Title: The prognostic significance of tumor-specific growth factor in colorectal cancer: An
observation study
Version: 2 Date: 20 Mar 2025
Reviewer's report:
1. The manuscript addresses a significant clinical question regarding the prognostic role of
tumor-specific growth factor (TSGF) in colorectal cancer (CRC). The authors demonstrate
convincingly that elevated serum TSGF levels correlate with poorer prognosis. However, it
would be beneficial if the authors could further clarify the novelty of TSGF compared to
previously established prognostic markers in CRC.
2. The methods section briefly describes the serum TSGF detection technique ("rate method").
Additional details on this detection method, including sensitivity, specificity, or a reference for
its validation, would strengthen the reproducibility and transparency of the methodology.
3. The statistical approach using ROC curves and Delong’s test is appropriate and well-
conducted. Nevertheless, it would be helpful to include details of the cut-off values used to
dichotomize TSGF levels clearly, and the rationale behind choosing this threshold.
4. The authors effectively highlight the added prognostic value of combining TSGF with
traditional biomarkers (CEA, CA19-9) and TN staging. However, a detailed discussion
regarding potential clinical implementation and feasibility in routine practice would enhance the
manuscript’s practical significance.
5. While the authors include a substantial patient cohort (n=2223), a discussion of limitations
is essential. For instance, were there potential biases due to retrospective data collection?
Additionally, discussing any potential confounding factors or patient demographic variables
would help readers better interpret the robustness and generalizability of the findings.
Please review this paper.
user
Title: The prognostic significance of tumor-specific growth factor in colorectal cancer: An
observation study
Version: 2 Date: 20 Mar 2025
Reviewer's report:
1. The manuscript addresses a significant clinical question regarding the prognostic role of
tumor-specific growth factor (TSGF) in colorectal cancer (CRC). The authors demonstrate
convincingly that elevated serum TSGF levels correlate with poorer prognosis. However, it
would be beneficial if the authors could further clarify the novelty of TSGF compared to
previously established prognostic markers in CRC.
2. The methods section briefly describes the serum TSGF detection technique ("rate method").
Additional details on this detection method, including sensitivity, specificity, or a reference for
its validation, would strengthen the reproducibility and transparency of the methodology.
3. The statistical approach using ROC curves and Delong’s test is appropriate and well-
conducted. Nevertheless, it would be helpful to include details of the cut-off values used to
dichotomize TSGF levels clearly, and the rationale behind choosing this threshold.
4. The authors effectively highlight the added prognostic value of combining TSGF with
traditional biomarkers (CEA, CA19-9) and TN staging. However, a detailed discussion
regarding potential clinical implementation and feasibility in routine practice would enhance the
manuscript’s practical significance.
5. While the authors include a substantial patient cohort (n=2223), a discussion of limitations
is essential. For instance, were there potential biases due to retrospective data collection?
Additionally, discussing any potential confounding factors or patient demographic variables
would help readers better interpret the robustness and generalizability of the findings.
assistant