Review of Known Prognostic Variables

Abstract

Prognostic variables should be used to provide an estimate of recurrence and death in patients with primary breast cancer. Evaluation of prognostic variables have to consider two different aims: 1. Use as a prognostic factor, describing groups of low and high risk for recurrence and death. Maximum information is obtained if the favorable group shows an overall survival of approximately 90%–100%, because these patients do not require further adjuvant treatment. 2. Use as a predictive factor, describing the responsiveness of endocrine or cytotoxic therapy or both. Treatment could be intensified in patients at high risk and known responsiveness or omitted in patients with known drug resistance.