The tumour-stroma ratio as predictive aid towards a biopsy-based treatment strategy in rectal carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Tumour-stroma ratio (TSR) scores of biopsy material in rectal carcinoma (RC) could aid a biomarker-based, upfront and personalised treatment strategy selection for RC patients. In a large retrospective, multicentre cohort, we aimed to validate the predictive value of biopsy-scored TSR on neoadjuvant therapy response, and secondarily, disease-free and overall survival (DFS, OS).

Methods and results

Scanned haematoxylin and eosin-stained RC biopsy slides were collected from Leiden University Medical Center (N = 116) and from the clinical PROCTOR-SCRIPT (N = 142) and RAPIDO (N = 271) trials. TSR was scored per protocol and categorised as stroma-low (≤ 50%) or stroma-high (> 50%). Major response was defined as tumour regression grade (TRG) 1 + 2 by Mandard, including pathol

SUBMITTER: Polack M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12129608 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature