[Predictive value of cytology for the efficacy of chemotherapy in breast cancers].

For the past decade, primary chemotherapy has been extensively used in breast cancer treatment. However, valuable indicators of tumor response are needed. Fine-needle cytopuncture allows the study of malignant cells by cytologic examination, image analysis and flow cytometry. Some parameters evaluated before treatment (cytologic grade, nuclear area and S phase) or at the beginning of treatment (cytomorphologic and cell kinetic changes) have been shown to be correlated with tumor response. The methods, their value and limitations, and results of the literature are discussed.