What does risk stratification allow for in cancer therapy?

Risk stratification in cancer therapy is an essential tool that allows healthcare providers to tailor therapy after considering additional factors specific to the patient and their cancer. It goes beyond traditional staging systems by incorporating a range of variables, including patient characteristics (such as age, comorbidities, and organ function), tumor characteristics (like histology, genetic markers, and overall tumor burden), and response to prior therapies. This individualized approach helps determine the best treatment plan, whether that be more aggressive therapies for high-risk patients or less intensive approaches for low-risk individuals.

By using risk stratification, clinicians can maximize the effectiveness of treatment while minimizing potential side effects and complications. This personalized strategy helps ensure that patients receive the most appropriate care based on their unique circumstances rather than applying a one-size-fits-all treatment based solely on standard staging criteria. This is what makes risk stratification a pivotal part of modern cancer therapy practices.