RCB Breast Cancer Calculator

RCB Equation:

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

Fraction Invasive (f_inv):

Primary Tumor Dimension (d_prim):

Extent Adjuvant (EA):

Viability (V):

Metastasis Diameter (met_diam):

Lymph Nodes (LN):

Residual Cancer Burden (RCB):

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1. What is the RCB Index?

The Residual Cancer Burden (RCB) index is a quantitative measure of residual disease after neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer. It combines pathologic features of the primary tumor and nodal metastases to predict survival outcomes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the RCB equation:

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

Where:

\( f_{inv} \) — Fraction invasive (0-1)
\( d_{prim} \) — Primary tumor dimension (mm)
\( EA \) — Extent adjuvant (0-1)
\( V \) — Viability (0-1)
\( met_{diam} \) — Metastasis diameter (mm)
\( LN \) — Lymph nodes

Explanation: The equation combines measures of residual invasive cancer in the breast and lymph nodes to calculate a continuous index value.

3. Importance of RCB Calculation

Details: RCB provides standardized quantification of residual disease after neoadjuvant therapy, which correlates with distant relapse-free survival and overall survival.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all required pathological measurements. Fraction invasive, extent adjuvant, and viability should be between 0 and 1. Other measurements should be positive values.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do different RCB values mean?
A: RCB is categorized as: RCB-0 (pathological complete response), RCB-I (minimal burden), RCB-II (moderate burden), and RCB-III (extensive burden).

Q2: How is RCB used clinically?
A: RCB helps assess response to neoadjuvant therapy, guide adjuvant treatment decisions, and predict prognosis.

Q3: What's the difference between RCB and Miller-Payne grading?
A: RCB provides a continuous quantitative measure, while Miller-Payne is a 5-tier categorical system based on cellularity changes.

Q4: Can RCB be used for all breast cancer subtypes?
A: RCB has been validated for all subtypes but may have different prognostic implications for hormone receptor-positive vs triple-negative cancers.

Q5: How is pathological complete response (pCR) defined?
A: pCR (RCB-0) is defined as no residual invasive cancer in breast or lymph nodes, though DCIS may be present.