[How can the effectiveness of multimodality therapy concepts be evaluated? From the viewpoint of the pathologist]

Prognostically relevant histopathological grading of tumor regression (grades I-III) is possible, although laborious. Morphological changes after chemotherapy indicate a specific response to treatment with central fibrosis and residual tumor islands in the periphery. Prognostic factors, such as TNM categories, UICC-R status, tumor size, and lymphangiosis, which are not intrinsic part of regression grading still correlate with patient survival.