IGFBP-2 secreted by mature adipocytes plays a key role in this process, indicating that genetic alterations in the stroma surrounding the breast cancer may be a more accurate predictor of prognosis than whole tissue signatures, and further studies on targeting the secretion of IGFBP-2 from adipocytes will be more helpful in the development of anti-cancer therapeutics. This evidence concerns the gene IGFBP2 and breast cancer.