The gene expression (the amount) of eight tumor-specific genes is investigated. Three of them are associated with tumor cell growth and five are connected with hormone receptors. The cell division rate, which can be read from the first three genes, influences the prognosis in the first five years above all. The other five indicate the long-term prognosis and the response to antihormonal therapy. The results are combined in the EPClin score, which also takes into account the individual parameters tumor size and presence of lymph node metastases. Thus, a reliable statement on individual ten year recurrence risk is possible. Above all, this score allows the treating physician to decide whether additional chemotherapy makes sense or not.
