However, few studies have examined the association between tumour CD4+/CD8+ T-lymphocytic infiltration and/or CD68+ macrophage infiltration and survival in patients with primary operable breast cancer (Griffith et al, 1990; Wintzer et al, 1991; Leek et al, 1996; Toi et al, 1999; Tsutsui et al, 2005). This evidence concerns the gene CD4 and breast carcinoma.