Prognostic factors in cancer

Attention to innovations in cancer treatment has often overshadowed the significance of prognostic assessment. However, it is increasingly recognized that prognostic factors can have a more substantial impact on outcomes than available therapies. The rise of biochemical, molecular, and genetic markers has sparked renewed interest in this area. Patient outcomes are influenced by a combination of factors, including the extent of disease, tumor histology, and treatment. Additionally, factors such as histologic grade, lymphatic or vascular invasion, mitotic index, performance status, symptoms, and recent genetic and biochemical markers also play critical roles. This volume aims to compile key prognostic factors that are important determinants of outcomes for tumors at various sites, marking the first phase in a broader effort to integrate all prognostic factors in cancer to improve outcome predictions post-treatment. The assessment and reporting of these prognostic factors are also addressed. Notably, prognostic factors can significantly influence outcomes; for instance, lymph node involvement in metastatic breast cancer has a much greater impact on survival than the effect of adjuvant treatment with tamoxifen in the same patient group.