Achieving pathological complete response (pCR) is the desired end result of using neoadjuvant therapy in responders.• Identifying factors that determine pCR in breast cancer patients can help guide treatment, hence individualizing it.• Achieving pCR in the breast correlates well with pCR in the axilla; this can result in the de-escalation of axillary surgery.• pCR determinants should be used in combination to achieve optimal results. Therefore, standardization of these factors is essential.