Identifying patients at high risk of breast cancer recurrence: strategies to improve patient outcomes

Abstract

Yehoda M Martei,1 Jennifer M Matro1,21Department of Medicine, Hematology-Oncology Division, 2Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USAAbstract: Identifying patients at high risk of breast cancer recurrence has important implications not only for enabling the ability to provide accurate information to patients but also the potential to improve patient outcomes. Patients at high recurrence risk can be offered appropriate treatment to improve the overall survival. However, the major challenge is identifying patients with early-stage breast cancer at lower risk who may be spared potentially toxic therapy. The successful integration of molecular assays into clinical practice may address the problem of overtreatment and improve overall patient outcomes.Keywords: breast cancer, early stage, genomic assays, recurrence risk, recurrence score