Published in:
Open Access
01-01-2019 | Review
The prognostic value of tumour–stroma ratio in primary breast cancer with special attention to triple-negative tumours: a review
Authors:
C. J. H. Kramer, K. M. H. Vangangelt, G. W. van Pelt, T. J. A. Dekker, R. A. E. M. Tollenaar, W. E. Mesker
Published in:
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
|
Issue 1/2019
Login to get access
Abstract
Purpose
There is a strong need to improve the prognostication of breast cancer patients in order to prevent over- and undertreatment, especially when considering adjuvant chemotherapy. Tumour stroma characteristics might be valuable in predicting disease progression.
Methods
Studies regarding the prognostic value of tumour–stroma ratio (TSR) in breast cancer are evaluated.
Results
A high stromal content is related to a relatively poor prognosis. The most pronounced prognostic effect of this parameter seems to be observed in the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype.
Conclusions
TSR assessment might represent a simple, fast and reproducible prognostic factor at no extra costs, and could possibly be incorporated into routine pathological diagnostics. Despite these advantages, a robust clinical validation of this parameter has yet to be established in prospective studies.