Predictive biomarkers in breast cancer: their value in neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) of breast cancer enabled improved outcomes especially in patients with advanced and inflammatory diseases. Biological heterogeneity of these tumors, however, requires better molecular characterization of the malignant tissue with consequent individualization in the selection of appropriate agents. To date, numerous molecular markers have been identified, and some of them (e.g., measurement of hormonal or growth factors receptors) are already routinely used for breast cancer classification before NCT. In the present article, we summarize current knowledge about established as well as promising biomarkers which have demonstrated prognostic or predictive value in NCT of breast cancer.