Prognostic markers in breast cancer: A review.

Abstract

Prognostic markers are indicators of aggressiveness, invasiveness, extent of spread of tumours, and correlate with survival independent of systemic therapy and can be used to select patients at risk. They could be traditional or clinical, molecular or investigational prognostic markers. There are newer prognosstic markers but newer emerging biomarkers, however, will have to undergo both analytical and clinical validation prior to entering clinical use. By combining established prognostic factors with validated prognostic biomarkers, we can begin the journey towards personalized treatment for every newly diagnosed patient with breast cancer.