Higher levels of the C-reactive protein-triglyceride-glucose index indicate worse outcomes after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

• Patients with a low cti had significantly longer disease-free survival (DFS) compared to those with high cti.
• The hazard ratio for high cti predicting poor outcomes is 2.07.

Consider using cti and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) for better patient stratification and personalized treatment planning.

• Both cti and PNI are independent prognostic factors for overall survival and DFS after surgery.