Volume 11, Number 3Review ArticlesPredictive Models for Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer PatientsManagement UpdatePeter T ScardinoWilliam T Lowrance[Rev Urol.2009;11(3):117-126 doi: 10.3909/riu0456]2009 MedReviews®, LLC©Accurate risk assessment is of paramount importance to newly diagnosedprostate cancer patients and their physicians. Risk prediction models helpidentify those at high (or low) risk of disease progression and guide discussionsabout prognosis and treatment. Widely used, well-validated predictiontools are based on standard, readily available clinical and pathologic parameters,but do not include biomarkers, some of which may have an importantrole in predicting prognosis or determining therapeutic options. A newapproach, known as systems pathology, may improve the accuracy of traditionalprediction methods and provide patients with a more personalized riskassessment of clinically relevant outcomes. The ultimate goal of predictionmodels is to improve medical decision making.Prostate cancerPrognosisStatistical modelNomogram