[Prognostic relevance of biological and molecular markers in oncology. Criteria for planning and interpreting studies].
Experts on different specialties (surgery, pathology, molecular biology and medical statistics) discussed the evaluation of prognostic factors during a workshop. The most important results presented are: (1) the prognostic relevance of new biological or molecular markers must be evaluated in a phase-III prognostic study. To establish such a marker in the UICC-TNM-classification in at least two different centers, two multivariate analyses according to defined criteria are necessary; (2) the standards of laboratory methods have to be defined, e.g.,which method to apply for RNA-analysis,which materials to used, etc; (3) intensive data analysis should be done before using methods of multivariate analysis. The criteria for the presentation of survival curves are given in detail; (4) in multivariate analysis, the Cox proportional hazard regression for survival outcomes is discussed with explanations and examples of the terms relative risk, odds-ratio, hazard and relative hazard. The arrangement and interpretation of a good prognostic study should be performed as an interdisciplinary approach.
Bollschweiler
E
E
Klinik und Poliklinik für Visceral- und Gefässchirurgie der Universität zu Köln, Cologne. Elfiede.Bollsschweiler@medizin.uni-koeln.de
Schneider
P M
PM
Mönig
S P
SP
Altendorf-Hofmann
A
A
Mansmann
U
U
Lehmacher
W
W
Schlag
P M
PM
Merkel
S
S
Hohenberger
W
W
Izbicki
J R
JR
Hermanek
P
P
Hölscher
A H
AH
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D004493:Education; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor