Pathology after neoadjuvant treatment – How to assess residual disease

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While systemic therapy for non-metastatic, invasive breast cancer is provided to minimize the risk of recurrence, neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is given prior to surgery to downstage the tumor and to evaluate treatment response. Downstaging the tumor may allow for less invasive surgery on the breast and axilla, thus avoiding the need for breast reconstruction, improving cosmetic outcomes, and reducing postoperative complications. With the rising number of NAT candidates, it is becoming increasingly important to standardize how tumor response is assessed after surgery. In the post-NAT setting, macroscopic assessment of surgical samples, extent of sampling for histology, and microscopic analysis require a different approach than in the primary surgery setting. In the neo-adjuvant setting, the close collaboration of pathologists, oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists within the multidisciplinary team is essential to ensure the best possible management of breast cancer patients. Here, we provide an update on the suggested procedures for an accurate assessment of tumor response to NAT, including the evaluation of all relevant parameters that correlate with long-term prognosis and inform the subsequent adjuvant interventions.