The role of cell–cell and cell–stromal interactions in predicting breast cancer behavior

There is a growing understanding of the importance of interactions between cells, and between cells and the surrounding stromal environment. Information may be transmitted to cells through chemokine and cytokine signaling, growth factor receptor binding or adhesive interactions. The integration of such signals controls tissue architecture, cellular differentiation and tissue-specific gene expression. In fact, it has been suggested that through such mechanisms, the microenvironment plays the dominant role in controlling tissue function, and restoration of appropriate interactions with the surrounding environment may revert features of the malignant phenotype even though genetic abnormalities persist.