Prognostic/predictive factors in breast cancer

This can be an exciting time for pathologists and cytopathologists as we refine or knowledge of prognostic/predictive factors in breast cancer. We can become more visible in our role as consultants to the other physicians, and more engaged in our role as researchers. Recent advances in computer science, coupled with the availability of new biological markers, now provide unique opportunities for us to expand our diagnostic abilities and also predict the biologic behavior of a given tumor. Thus, we must become more familiar with emerging concepts and technologies in different disciplines.