The prognostic value of tumour–stroma ratio in primary breast cancer with special attention to triple-negative tumours: a review

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.