Despite advances in basic research on breast cancer, the rate of mortality from metastatic breast cancer has not decreased. Translational research from bench to bedside has become one of the most important requirements to save these patients.

This special issue will focus on current opinion in breast cancer research from bench to bedside. Four high-profile authors will describe this area. First, Drs Kai and Saya et al. describe breast cancer stem cells, which can contribute to the development of innovative therapies for breast cancer. Drs Miyoshi et al. discuss the molecular mechanism of resistance to hormonal therapy based on an understanding of the estrogen signaling pathway. Dr Akashi-Tanaka describes some predictive or prognostic tests, for example MammaPrint or Oncotype DX, which have become a useful tool at the bedside. Finally, Dr Miki describes recent advancements in genome science that have the potential to determine the efficacy of chemotherapy for breast cancer and to facilitate tailor-made medicine for breast cancer patients.

I hope that this special feature will lead to many basic research investigations from bench to bedside.