title: Molecular prognostic factors for breast cancer metastasis and survival.
abstract: The biological characteristics of the tumor are used to estimate prognosis and select appropriate systemic therapy for patients with early-stage breast cancer. Well-established molecular prognostic factors include the estrogen and progesterone receptors, proliferation markers, and the HER2 gene. Novel tumor markers with potential clinical utility include molecules involved in cell transformation, invasion, and metastases. We review the available data supporting the utility of established prognostic and predictive molecular factors, and discuss challenges for integrating novel molecular markers into clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA. festeva@mdanderson.org
authors.forename: Francisco J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Esteva
authors.forename: Aysegul A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Sahin
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cristofanilli
authors.forename: Banu
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Arun
authors.forename: Gabriel N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Hortobagyi
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D002402:Cathepsin D / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D011379:Prognosis; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000032:analysis; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000032:analysis; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002402:Cathepsin D; D006133:Growth Substances; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone