RCB Breast Cancer Calculator

RCB Formula:

\[ RCB = 1.4 \times (f_{inv} \times d_{prim}^{0.17}) + [-0.21 \times EA + (1 - 0.28 \times V) \times (4 \times met_{diam} + LN)]^{0.17} \]

Fraction Invasive (f_inv):

Primary Tumor Dimension (d_prim, mm):

Extent Adjuvant (EA):

Viability (V):

Metastasis Diameter (met_diam, mm):

Lymph Nodes (LN):

RCB Index:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is the RCB Breast Cancer Calculator?

Definition: This calculator computes the Residual Cancer Burden (RCB) index for breast cancer patients after neoadjuvant therapy.

Purpose: It helps oncologists quantify the amount of residual disease after preoperative treatment, which is important for prognosis and treatment planning.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ RCB = 1.4 \times (f_{inv} \times d_{prim}^{0.17}) + [-0.21 \times EA + (1 - 0.28 \times V) \times (4 \times met_{diam} + LN)]^{0.17} \]

Where:

\( RCB \) — Residual Cancer Burden index
\( f_{inv} \) — Fraction of invasive cancer (0-1)
\( d_{prim} \) — Primary tumor dimension (mm)
\( EA \) — Extent adjuvant
\( V \) — Viability (0-1)
\( met_{diam} \) — Metastasis diameter (mm)
\( LN \) — Lymph nodes involvement

Explanation: The formula combines measures of residual invasive cancer, lymph node involvement, and treatment response into a single index.

3. Importance of RCB Calculation

Details: RCB provides standardized quantification of residual disease that correlates with long-term outcomes. Lower RCB values indicate better response to neoadjuvant therapy.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all required parameters from pathology reports. Fraction invasive and viability should be between 0 and 1. Other measurements should be in millimeters.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do different RCB values indicate?
A: RCB is categorized as: RCB-0 (pathologic complete response), RCB-I (minimal residual disease), RCB-II (moderate residual disease), RCB-III (extensive residual disease).

Q2: How is fraction invasive (f_inv) determined?
A: This is the proportion of invasive cancer cells in the residual tumor, typically assessed by pathologists.

Q3: What is viability (V) in this context?
A: Viability represents the proportion of tumor cells that appear viable (not destroyed by therapy), ranging from 0 (all cells dead) to 1 (all cells viable).

Q4: How accurate is the RCB index?
A: RCB has been validated in multiple studies and shows strong correlation with recurrence-free and overall survival.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for other cancers?
A: No, this specific formula is validated for breast cancer only. Other cancers may have different RCB calculations.