• Cell cycle analysis. Both normal and malignant cells go through a complete cell cycle known as mitosis . 
  During  one phase of the cycle (the S-phase), new DNA is synthesized in preparation for the division of one
  cell into two. Flow cytometry as well as other techniques are used to measure the S-phase fraction, or growth
  rate.
      The percentage of tumor cells in this S-phase is an indication of how rapidly a tumor is trying to grow. As
  might be expected, tumors with a high S-phase fraction (over 7 percent when measured by flow cytometry)
  in other words, growing rapidly—have a less favorable prognosis . The S-phase fraction for breast cancer can
  range from less than 1 percent to more than 20 percent of the cells.
• Immunohistochemical detection of abnormal tumor proteins, including secreted enzymes and stress proteins,
  are under investigation. Lower levels of the enzyme cathepsin-D or specific "heat-shock" proteins, for
  example, are associated with better survival in some studies.
      There are also abnormal oncogene and growth factor-related products. The product of the HER-2/neu
  oncogene is overproduced in about one-third of breast cancers. The overproduction appears to be associated
  with earlier tumor relapses and lower survival rates. Another promising marker is the epidermal growth factor
  (EGF) receptor. 
• Several studies have shown that the number and density of tiny blood vessels in the tumor could be correlated
  with the risk of metastasis .