Oncology Clinical Reference & Terminology
Evidence-based reference for oncologists, researchers, and clinical trial investigators. Comprehensive definitions of prognostic scoring systems, staging classifications, biomarker terminology, clinical trial endpoints, and essential oncology concepts for patient care and research.
Master Calculator Panels
Comprehensive multi-tool panels that combine related calculators for streamlined clinical workflows and decision-making.
Simultaneous calculation of R2-ISS staging (incorporating beta-2 microglobulin, albumin, LDH, and high-risk cytogenetics) and IMWG frailty assessment (age, comorbidities, functional status) for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. This integrated panel enables personalized treatment intensity selection, predicts chemotherapy tolerance, guides clinical trial eligibility, and stratifies patients into distinct risk groups with validated survival outcomes. Essential for balancing disease biology with patient fitness in selecting optimal induction regimens (bortezomib-based, lenalidomide-based, carfilzomib combinations), determining transplant candidacy, and planning maintenance strategies in both fit and frail elderly populations.
Open PanelDual risk stratification using MASCC score (burden of illness, hypotension, COPD, solid tumor status, dehydration, age) and CISNE index (ECOG performance status, chronic cardiovascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, mucositis, monocytes, stress-induced hyperglycemia) to identify low-risk febrile neutropenia patients suitable for outpatient oral antibiotic management versus high-risk patients requiring hospitalization and IV broad-spectrum antibiotics. Validated across diverse cancer populations and chemotherapy regimens, this panel reduces unnecessary hospitalizations, optimizes healthcare resource utilization, improves patient quality of life, and maintains safety standards per IDSA/ASCO guidelines. Critical for emergency department triage, oncology ward admission decisions, and clinical trial adverse event management.
Open PanelComprehensive symptom burden evaluation using ESAS-r (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-revised) quantifying pain, tiredness, nausea, depression, anxiety, drowsiness, appetite, wellbeing, and shortness of breath on 0-10 scales, combined with PPS (Palliative Performance Scale) measuring ambulation, activity level, self-care, intake, and consciousness. This panel enables systematic longitudinal tracking of symptom trajectories, objective assessment of palliative intervention efficacy, standardized communication across multidisciplinary teams, identification of patients requiring urgent symptom management, and prognostication for end-of-life care planning. Essential for hospice referral timing, family counseling, advance care planning discussions, and quality metrics reporting in palliative oncology programs.
Open PanelParallel hepatocellular carcinoma and liver-function outputs including corrected BCLC 2026, original HKLC-9 (2014), ALBI, Child-Turcotte-Pugh, OPTN Calculated MELD 3.0, and Milan criteria. Components remain source-specific and are presented without a combined treatment, transplant-candidacy, allocation-priority, or individualized-prognosis conclusion. The master panel remains In review pending its own orchestration and synthesis audit.
Open PanelComprehensive pulmonary nodule risk assessment comparing four validated prediction models: Lung-RADS standardized reporting (ACR classification 1-4), Brock/PanCan model (age, sex, family history, emphysema, nodule size, type, location, spiculation, count), Mayo Clinic model (smoking history, extrathoracic cancer, nodule diameter, spiculation, upper lobe location), and Herder model (smoking status, nodule characteristics, PET avidity). This integrated panel synthesizes screening CT findings with clinical context, guides interval follow-up versus biopsy decisions, minimizes false-positive workup of benign lesions, identifies high-risk nodules requiring immediate intervention, and standardizes radiologist-pulmonologist-thoracic surgeon communication. Essential for lung cancer screening programs, incidental nodule management protocols, and shared decision-making discussions regarding surveillance versus invasive diagnostics per Fleischner Society and NCCN recommendations.
Open PanelOriginal UCSF-CAPRA and the historical Johns Hopkins Epstein cT1c criteria remain separate source-specific outputs. The Epstein result predicts a historical prostatectomy pathology endpoint and does not establish modern surveillance eligibility or treatment. The panel does not implement NCCN prostate risk groups and creates no combined score or recommendation.
Open PanelComprehensive RCC prognostication panel integrating five validated models: IMDC/Heng criteria for metastatic disease (Karnofsky performance, time to treatment, hemoglobin, calcium, neutrophils, platelets), MSKCC/Motzer criteria (Karnofsky performance, time to treatment, hemoglobin, calcium, LDH), Leibovich score for post-nephrectomy recurrence (tumor size, stage, grade, necrosis), SSIGN algorithm (stage, size, grade, necrosis combining TNM with pathology), and UISS system (stage, grade, ECOG). This master panel enables unified assessment across disease states from localized (surgical planning, adjuvant trial eligibility) to metastatic settings (first-line therapy selection: immunotherapy combinations, VEGF-TKIs), predicts response to targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors, guides surveillance intensity post-nephrectomy, and standardizes research endpoints across multicenter trials. Indispensable for personalized medicine approaches and comparative effectiveness research in kidney cancer.
Open PanelUnified lymphoma prognostic assessment integrating subtype-specific indices: IPI for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (age, stage, LDH, performance status, extranodal sites), NCCN-IPI enhanced version (incorporating LDH ratio, specific extranodal sites), FLIPI for follicular lymphoma (age, stage, hemoglobin, LDH, nodal areas), and MIPI for mantle cell lymphoma (age, performance status, LDH, WBC). This comprehensive panel stratifies patients into distinct risk groups guiding treatment intensity (R-CHOP, dose-adjusted R-EPOCH, R-CHOP+radiation, CAR-T cell therapy timing), predicts survival outcomes across histologic subtypes, determines clinical trial eligibility and stratification factors, guides consolidation/maintenance strategies, and standardizes prognostic reporting in multicenter cooperative group studies. Essential for hematologists and hematopathologists implementing risk-adapted therapeutic approaches per NCCN/ESMO guidelines in both academic and community practice settings.
Open PanelTop 20 Essential Oncology Calculators for Clinical Practice & Research
Validated prognostic tools and staging systems most frequently utilized by oncologists, hematologists, researchers, and clinical trial coordinators. Each calculator is evidence-based with published validation studies and incorporated into major clinical practice guidelines (NCCN, ESMO, ASCO). Essential for daily clinical decision-making, treatment planning, patient counseling, clinical trial eligibility determination, and standardized documentation of prognostic factors in cancer research databases.
The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) scale is the most widely adopted functional assessment tool in oncology, measuring patient ability to perform activities of daily living on a 6-point scale (0=fully active to 5=dead). ECOG 0-1 patients are typically eligible for intensive chemotherapy regimens and clinical trials, while ECOG 2 patients may receive modified-dose therapy, and ECOG 3-4 patients are generally candidates for palliative care only. This single-item assessment is a powerful independent prognostic factor across all cancer types, predicting treatment-related toxicity, quality of life outcomes, and overall survival. Required documentation for nearly all oncology clinical trials, chemotherapy protocols, and radiation therapy planning. Inter-rater reliability is well-established, making it superior to more complex multidimensional scales for routine clinical use and research standardization.
Open CalculatorThe Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) is a comprehensive 11-point functional capacity scale (0-100% in 10% increments) developed in 1949 and remaining widely used, particularly in neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, and palliative medicine. KPS ≥70% indicates ability to care for self and is often the threshold for clinical trial eligibility and aggressive treatment approaches, while KPS 50-60% suggests considerable assistance required, and KPS ≤40% indicates disabled patients requiring special care. More granular than ECOG (approximately KPS 90-100%=ECOG 0, 70-80%=ECOG 1, 50-60%=ECOG 2, 30-40%=ECOG 3, 10-20%=ECOG 4), KPS provides finer prognostic discrimination and is particularly valuable for longitudinal assessment of functional decline, hospice referral timing, and radiation therapy tolerance prediction in brain metastases, primary CNS tumors, and patients receiving palliative radiotherapy.
Open CalculatorThe Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) grade is an objective, evidence-based liver function assessment tool specifically developed and validated for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, using only two readily available laboratory values: serum albumin and total bilirubin. ALBI stratifies patients into three grades (Grade 1: best liver function, Grade 2: intermediate, Grade 3: worst) with distinct survival outcomes. Multiple studies have demonstrated ALBI's superiority over Child-Pugh classification due to elimination of subjective variables (ascites, encephalopathy), better discrimination within Child-Pugh A patients, and more accurate prediction of treatment tolerance and survival across all HCC therapeutic modalities including resection, transplantation, ablation, TACE, and systemic therapy. ALBI is increasingly incorporated into modern HCC staging systems (ALBI-T, modified BCLC) and clinical trial stratification, with particular utility in Asian populations and patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor combinations.
Open CalculatorThe source-locked standard-bilirubin Child-Turcotte-Pugh implementation sums bilirubin, albumin, one explicit coagulation alternative (INR or PT prolongation in seconds above laboratory control), clinician-selected ascites, and West Haven encephalopathy categories. Totals 5-6, 7-9, and 10-15 map to Classes A, B, and C. It is limited to a contemporaneous adult established-chronic-liver-disease snapshot; confounded coagulation or discordant timing withholds interpretation. The class is not a fixed survival estimate, transplant-priority rule, surgery rule, treatment recommendation, or drug-dose instruction.
Open CalculatorThe corrected BCLC 2026 implementation assigns Stage 0, A, B, C, or D for confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma from exact tumor count and raw largest diameter, macrovascular invasion, extrahepatic spread, explicitly HCC-attributable ECOG performance status, and liver decompensation with externally established transplant-candidate context. Child-Pugh is recorded only as context and does not independently determine stage. The result is stage-only: it does not recommend treatment, estimate survival, determine transplant eligibility, invent a BCLC B subgroup cutoff, or automate treatment-stage migration or downstaging.
Open CalculatorLiver Cancer calculator for clinical assessment and risk stratification.
Open CalculatorLiver Cancer calculator for clinical assessment and risk stratification.
Open CalculatorLiver Cancer calculator for clinical assessment and risk stratification.
Open CalculatorLiver Cancer calculator for clinical assessment and risk stratification.
Open CalculatorThe International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) model, also known as the Heng criteria, is the most extensively validated prognostic tool for metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the contemporary targeted therapy era. Incorporating six readily available clinical and laboratory parameters (Karnofsky performance status <80%, time from diagnosis to systemic treatment <1 year, hemoglobin below lower limit of normal, corrected calcium above upper limit of normal, absolute neutrophil count above upper limit of normal, platelet count above upper limit of normal), IMDC stratifies patients into favorable (0 factors, median OS ~43 months), intermediate (1-2 factors, median OS ~23 months), and poor-risk (≥3 factors, median OS ~8 months) groups. Originally validated in VEGF-TKI treated patients, IMDC now guides first-line therapy selection (immunotherapy combinations for favorable/intermediate risk: nivolumab-ipilimumab, pembrolizumab-axitinib, avelumab-axitinib; VEGF-TKI monotherapy or IO combinations for poor risk), clinical trial stratification, and cross-trial outcome comparisons. Superior to older MSKCC/Motzer criteria for modern practice and regulatory endpoints in drug development.
Open CalculatorKidney Cancer calculator for clinical assessment and risk stratification.
Open CalculatorThe original International Prognostic Index (IPI) is a five-factor additive prognostic model developed in aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It assigns one point for age >60 years, Ann Arbor stage III/IV, LDH above the institutional upper limit of normal, ECOG performance status ≥2, and >1 extranodal disease site. Scores 0-1, 2, 3, and 4-5 define low, low-intermediate, high-intermediate, and high risk. Historical pre-rituximab 5-year overall survival in the original cohort was 73%, 51%, 43%, and 26%, respectively. These are historical cohort observations, not contemporary R-CHOP outcomes, individualized prognoses, or treatment directives.
Open CalculatorBrowse all calculators organized by category below, or use the search to find specific tools.
Essential Oncology Terminology for Clinical Practice & Research
Detailed definitions of validated prognostic tools, staging systems, clinical trial endpoints, biomarkers, and key concepts in precision oncology. Each term includes clinical context, research applications, and evidence-based references for healthcare professionals.
Adjuvant Therapy
Treatment given after primary therapy (usually surgery) to lower the risk of cancer recurrence and eliminate microscopic residual disease. Examples include adjuvant chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Clinical trials have demonstrated improved disease-free survival and overall survival with adjuvant treatment in many solid tumors including breast, colorectal, lung, and gastric cancers.
ALBI Score (Albumin-Bilirubin Grade)
A prognostic tool for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that assesses liver function using only two objective laboratory values: serum albumin and bilirubin. The ALBI grade stratifies patients into three categories (Grade 1, 2, or 3) and has been validated as superior to Child-Pugh classification for predicting survival in HCC patients. Used extensively in clinical trials and treatment selection for patients with liver cancer.
ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count)
The total number of neutrophils (segmented neutrophils + band forms) in the blood, calculated from the white blood cell count and differential. Critical for assessing infection risk in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. ANC < 500/μL defines severe neutropenia and significantly increases risk of life-threatening infections requiring prophylactic antibiotics or growth factor support.
BCLC Staging (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer)
The most widely used staging system for hepatocellular carcinoma that integrates tumor burden, liver function (Child-Pugh score), performance status (ECOG), and cancer-related symptoms to guide treatment decisions. BCLC stages (0, A, B, C, D) directly link to specific treatment recommendations ranging from curative therapies (resection, transplantation, ablation) to palliative approaches. Extensively validated in clinical trials and endorsed by major oncology societies.
Biomarker
A measurable biological indicator of disease state, prognosis, or treatment response. In oncology, biomarkers include tumor markers (PSA, CEA, CA-125), genetic mutations (EGFR, KRAS, BRAF), protein expression (PD-L1, HER2), and molecular signatures (microsatellite instability, tumor mutational burden). Biomarker-driven treatment selection is fundamental to precision oncology and clinical trial design.
BSA (Body Surface Area)
A measurement of total body surface area used to calculate chemotherapy dosing, typically expressed in square meters (m²). Common calculation methods include Mosteller formula (most widely used), DuBois formula, and Haycock formula. BSA-based dosing aims to reduce inter-patient pharmacokinetic variability and optimize therapeutic index. Critical for clinical trial protocols and routine oncology practice.
CAPRA Score (Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment)
A validated prognostic tool for localized prostate cancer that predicts biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy. Incorporates PSA, Gleason score, clinical stage, percentage of positive biopsy cores, and patient age. CAPRA scores (0-10) stratify patients into low, intermediate, and high-risk groups, guiding treatment selection and surveillance strategies in clinical practice and research.
Child-Pugh Score
A five-component severity classification for adults with established chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. The standard-bilirubin implementation uses bilirubin, albumin, ascites, encephalopathy, and either INR or PT prolongation in seconds above laboratory control. Totals 5-6, 7-9, and 10-15 map to Classes A, B, and C. It does not itself determine survival, transplant priority, surgery, treatment, or drug dosing.
Complete Response (CR)
The disappearance of all detectable signs of cancer in response to treatment as assessed by physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Defined by RECIST criteria as disappearance of all target and non-target lesions. CR is a key endpoint in clinical trials but does not always indicate cure, as microscopic disease may persist. Duration of CR is an important prognostic indicator across hematologic and solid malignancies.
Disease-Free Survival (DFS)
The length of time after treatment during which a patient survives without any signs or symptoms of cancer recurrence. A primary endpoint in adjuvant therapy clinical trials. DFS includes local recurrence, distant metastasis, second primary cancers, and death from any cause. Also called relapse-free survival (RFS) or recurrence-free survival in some contexts.
ECOG Performance Status
The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scale measuring patient functional status from 0 (fully active, no restrictions) to 5 (dead). ECOG 0-1 patients are typically eligible for aggressive therapies and clinical trials, while ECOG 3-4 patients receive palliative or supportive care. Performance status is a strong independent prognostic factor and critical inclusion criterion for oncology clinical trials. Inter-rater reliability is well-established in research settings.
FLIPI Score (Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index)
A validated prognostic scoring system for follicular lymphoma using five clinical and laboratory factors: age >60 years, Ann Arbor stage III/IV, hemoglobin <12 g/dL, elevated serum LDH, and number of nodal areas >4. Stratifies patients into low (0-1 factors), intermediate (2 factors), and high-risk (≥3 factors) groups with distinct survival outcomes. Extensively used in clinical trials and treatment planning for indolent lymphomas.
G8 Screening Tool
A brief geriatric screening instrument specifically validated for elderly cancer patients to identify those who may benefit from comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). Comprises eight items assessing nutritional status, mobility, neuropsychological function, and general health. Scores ≤14 (out of 17) indicate impaired status requiring full CGA. Widely used in geriatric oncology research and clinical practice to optimize treatment decisions in older adults.
Gleason Score
A histologic grading system for prostatic adenocarcinoma in which a pathologist assigns an ordered pair of patterns. The pair maps to a Gleason score and WHO/ISUP Grade Group 1-5; 3+4 and 4+3 are distinct. The pair must come from the pathology report because biopsy and prostatectomy assignment rules differ. The mapping alone does not establish overall clinical risk or treatment.
Hazard Ratio (HR)
A statistical measure comparing the risk of an event (death, progression, recurrence) between treatment groups in clinical trials. HR < 1 indicates reduced risk with experimental treatment, while HR > 1 indicates increased risk. For example, HR 0.70 means 30% reduction in risk. Hazard ratios are derived from Cox proportional hazards regression and are fundamental to interpreting survival data in oncology research.
HER2 Status
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 protein expression or gene amplification status in breast, gastric, and other cancers. Assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC 0, 1+, 2+, 3+) and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). HER2-positive cancers (IHC 3+ or FISH amplified) are eligible for targeted therapies including trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and T-DM1. HER2 testing is mandatory in breast and gastric cancer per NCCN and ASCO guidelines.
IMDC Risk Score (International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium)
A prognostic model for metastatic renal cell carcinoma incorporating six clinical and laboratory factors: Karnofsky performance status <80%, time from diagnosis to treatment <1 year, hemoglobin below normal, corrected calcium above normal, neutrophils above normal, and platelets above normal. Stratifies patients into favorable (0 factors), intermediate (1-2 factors), and poor-risk (≥3 factors) groups with distinct survival outcomes. Validated across multiple targeted therapy trials.
IPI (International Prognostic Index)
The original five-factor additive prognostic model for aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma: age >60 years, LDH above the institutional upper limit of normal, ECOG performance status ≥2, Ann Arbor stage III/IV, and >1 extranodal disease site. Scores 0-1, 2, 3, and 4-5 define low, low-intermediate, high-intermediate, and high risk. The original 73%, 51%, 43%, and 26% 5-year overall survival values are historical pre-rituximab cohort observations, not contemporary treatment outcomes or directives.
Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS)
A functional scoring scale from 0-100% measuring patient ability to perform daily activities and self-care. KPS ≥70% typically indicates ability to care for self, while <70% indicates need for assistance. Often used alongside ECOG in clinical trials and research, particularly in neuro-oncology. KPS is a validated prognostic factor across multiple cancer types and treatment modalities.
Khorana VTE Risk Score
A validated risk assessment tool predicting venous thromboembolism (VTE) in ambulatory cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Incorporates cancer site (very high risk: pancreas, gastric; high risk: lung, lymphoma, gynecologic, bladder, testicular), pretreatment platelet count, hemoglobin level/ESA use, leukocyte count, and BMI. Scores categorize patients as low (0), intermediate (1-2), or high risk (≥3). Guides thromboprophylaxis decisions in clinical practice.
MASCC Score (Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer)
A validated risk index for febrile neutropenia that identifies low-risk patients suitable for outpatient management with oral antibiotics. Incorporates burden of illness, hypotension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, solid tumor or lymphoma with no previous fungal infection, dehydration, outpatient status, and age. Score ≥21 indicates low risk with <5% risk of serious complications. Widely implemented in evidence-based guidelines.
OPTN Calculated MELD 3.0
The current OPTN Policy 9.1.D calculated score for candidates age 12 or older uses bilirubin, INR, creatinine, sodium, albumin, qualifying dialysis, registration-age branch, and an explicit adult-MELD sex selection. The calculated 6-40 result is not a Status 1 or exception score, final match priority, listing decision, mortality percentage, or treatment recommendation.
Microsatellite Instability (MSI)
A molecular phenotype resulting from deficient DNA mismatch repair, characterized by insertion/deletion mutations in repetitive DNA sequences. MSI-High (MSI-H) tumors occur in ~15% of colorectal cancers and subset of endometrial, gastric, and other malignancies. MSI-H status predicts excellent response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) across tumor types and is a FDA-approved biomarker for immunotherapy. Testing is recommended in colorectal and endometrial cancers.
Neoadjuvant Therapy
Treatment given before primary therapy (usually surgery) to shrink tumors, improve surgical outcomes, assess treatment response in vivo, and eliminate micrometastases. Demonstrated benefits include downstaging for organ preservation (breast, rectal, bladder), improving resectability (pancreatic, gastroesophageal), and providing prognostic information via pathologic response. Increasingly used across solid tumors with clinical trial evidence for improved survival in specific settings.
Neutropenic Fever
Fever (single oral temperature ≥38.3°C or ≥38°C sustained over 1 hour) occurring during severe neutropenia (ANC <500/μL or <1000/μL with predicted decline to <500/μL). A medical emergency requiring immediate empiric broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy due to high mortality risk from bacterial infections. Risk stratification using MASCC or CISNE scores guides management strategy (inpatient vs. outpatient, IV vs. oral antibiotics).
Oncotype DX
A proprietary Exact Sciences 21-gene assay that reports a Recurrence Score from 0 to 100. TAILORx node-negative and RxPONDER one-to-three-node evidence use different source populations and strata; they should not be collapsed into one universal risk or treatment category.
Overall Survival (OS)
The length of time from randomization or treatment initiation until death from any cause. Considered the gold standard endpoint in cancer clinical trials due to objectivity and lack of assessment bias. Regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA) prefer OS as primary endpoint for drug approval, though surrogate endpoints (PFS, ORR) are accepted in specific settings. Median OS and OS rates at specific timepoints are standard reporting metrics.
Partial Response (PR)
At least 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions compared to baseline per RECIST criteria, without appearance of new lesions or progression of non-target lesions. PR is a component of objective response rate (ORR = CR + PR), a common endpoint in phase II clinical trials and accelerated drug approvals. Duration of PR and time to response are important secondary endpoints.
PD-L1 Expression
Programmed death-ligand 1 expression on tumor cells and/or immune cells, measured by immunohistochemistry using validated assays (22C3, 28-8, SP263, SP142). PD-L1 expression (typically ≥1% or ≥50% tumor proportion score) predicts response to checkpoint inhibitors in NSCLC, urothelial, head and neck, and other cancers. Multiple companion and complementary diagnostic tests are FDA-approved for specific immunotherapy indications.
Performance Status
A standardized measure of patient functional capacity and ability to perform daily activities, critical for treatment eligibility, prognosis, and clinical trial enrollment. Two validated scales are widely used: ECOG (0-5) and Karnofsky (0-100%). Performance status is an independent prognostic factor across cancer types and strongly correlates with treatment tolerance, quality of life, and survival outcomes.
Progression-Free Survival (PFS)
Time from randomization or treatment start until objective tumor progression or death from any cause, whichever occurs first. A commonly used primary endpoint in oncology trials, particularly for advanced/metastatic disease. PFS advantages include earlier assessment than OS and freedom from crossover effects. FDA accepts PFS as primary endpoint when clinically meaningful benefit and acceptable safety profile are demonstrated.
Progressive Disease (PD)
At least 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions (with absolute increase ≥5mm), appearance of new lesions, or unequivocal progression of non-target lesions per RECIST criteria. PD defines treatment failure and triggers change in therapy. Time to progression and PFS are key efficacy endpoints incorporating PD as an event in clinical trial analysis.
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
A serine protease produced by prostate epithelium, measurable in blood and used for prostate cancer screening, staging, and monitoring. Elevated PSA (>4 ng/mL traditional threshold) increases prostate cancer probability. PSA kinetics (PSA doubling time, PSA velocity) predict aggressive disease. Post-treatment PSA is sensitive for recurrence detection. Controversy exists regarding population-based PSA screening due to overdiagnosis concerns.
RECIST Criteria (Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors)
Standardized guidelines for measuring treatment response in clinical trials using imaging studies. RECIST 1.1 defines measurable target lesions (≥10mm), evaluable non-target lesions, and response categories (CR, PR, SD, PD) based on sum of target lesion diameters. Provides objective, reproducible assessment enabling cross-trial comparisons. Modified criteria exist for specific settings (iRECIST for immunotherapy, mRECIST for hepatocellular carcinoma).
R-ISS (Revised International Staging System)
The original 2015 IMWG baseline prognostic staging system for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. It combines original ISS stage from beta-2 microglobulin and albumin with LDH relative to the local laboratory ULN and plasma-cell iFISH for del(17p), t(4;14), and t(14;16). R-ISS I requires ISS I, normal LDH, and all three abnormalities adequately tested and absent; R-ISS III requires ISS III plus high LDH or at least one high-risk abnormality; all other complete combinations are R-ISS II. Its survival figures are historical cohort associations, not individualized prognosis or treatment recommendations, and it is distinct from R2-ISS.
Residual Cancer Burden (RCB)
A six-field continuous pathology index for initially invasive breast cancer assessed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. It combines two tumor-bed dimensions, overall carcinoma cellularity, the percentage of carcinoma that is in situ, the number of positive regional lymph nodes, and the largest nodal metastasis. The full-precision score maps to RCB-0, RCB-I, RCB-II, or RCB-III; RCB-0 permits residual in situ disease when no residual invasive breast or nodal disease remains. RCB is not a pretreatment imaging measure or an automatic treatment rule.
Stable Disease (SD)
Neither sufficient shrinkage to qualify for partial response nor sufficient increase to qualify for progressive disease per RECIST criteria. Represents disease control and may indicate clinical benefit, particularly with targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Durable stable disease (typically ≥6 months) is increasingly recognized as clinically meaningful outcome and incorporated into disease control rate (DCR = CR + PR + SD) endpoint.
TNM Staging
The AJCC/UICC tumor-node-metastasis staging system describing anatomic extent of cancer. T describes primary tumor size/extent (T0-T4), N describes regional lymph node involvement (N0-N3), M describes distant metastasis (M0-M1). TNM classification combines into prognostic stage groups (I-IV). Updated every 6-8 years based on survival data. Essential for treatment planning, prognostication, and clinical trial eligibility. Current 8th edition incorporates molecular markers for some cancers.
Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB)
The total number of somatic mutations per megabase of DNA in tumor tissue, assessed by comprehensive genomic profiling. High TMB (≥10 mutations/megabase) predicts response to immune checkpoint inhibitors across multiple tumor types through increased neoantigen load and T-cell recognition. FDA-approved pembrolizumab for TMB-High (≥10 mut/Mb) solid tumors based on KEYNOTE-158 trial. Increasingly integrated into precision oncology and immunotherapy selection.
This glossary is for educational purposes. Always consult clinical guidelines and medical professionals for treatment decisions.