A group of researchers from the University of North Carolina (UNC) have developed a regression–based model that can predict when patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are reaching the end of their life. UNC reported on the model in a press release.

The tool aims to improve end-of-life care for MBC patients. It utilizes clinical data from a patent’s electronic health record to calculate their risk of death within 30-90 days. Models like this can help support care conversations.

Notably, this tool is specific to MBC and analyzes laboratory results, vital signs, breast cancer subtype, and medications, UNC says. The researchers are working on additional studies to test the tool’s integration into routine clinical practice.