A stroma-related gene signature predicts resistance to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer

Identifying factors that influence response to cancer chemotherapy is crucial for improving its efficacy. Mauro Delorenzi and his colleagues report that a stromal gene expression signature predicts resistance to a commonly used chemotherapy regimen in individuals with estrogen receptor–negative breast tumors. These findings underline the potential of the tumor microenvironment to modulate tumor phenotype and the clinical response to treatment.