The 2019 World Health Organization classification of tumours of the breast

Abstract

The newly published World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumours of the breast features significant changes compared to earlier editions. In this review, we outline the major changes in this important reference source for those diagnosing tumours, or engaged in cancer research, and describe the significant changes. For breast cancer, the overview acknowledges the treatment-relevant subtypes of invasive carcinoma (based on ER and HER2 status) and new data is added to support the differences in pathogenesis, treatment response and prognosis of these clinically relevant groupings. The WHO Classification of Tumours is increasingly evidence-based, with a clear update cycle, improved quality of illustrations, as well as content, led by an editorial board comprising pathologists, but increasingly incorporating input from other disciplines. The advent of the new website allows the use of whole slide images, and hyperlinks to evidence or external bodies that produce guidance on staging or reporting.

Keywords

Affiliated Institutions

• Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre AU
• Brigham and Women's Hospital US
• The University of Queensland AU
• The University of Melbourne AU
• GZA Ziekenhuizen Campus Sint-Augustinus BE
• Université Libre de Bruxelles BE
• Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust GB
• Stanford University US
• Institut Jules Bordet BE
• Centre international de recherche sur le cancer FR
• Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital AU
• Singapore General Hospital SG
• Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center US
• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute US
• Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IT
• University Medical Center Utrecht NL
• The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center US
• Candiolo Cancer Institute IT
• University of Turin IT
• Tohoku University JP
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center US
• University of Nottingham GB

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