Disclosed is a method for predicting the response of a tumor in a mammal to a chemotherapeutic regimen comprising: a. Preparing a plurality of histologic sections of the tumor to obtain a SPARC microenvironment signature (SMS) b. immunostaining one or more of the histologic sections of the tumor with a first antiSPARC antibody, wherein the first anti-SPARC antibody preferentially stains SPARC in tumor cells c. immunostaining one or more of the histologic sections of the tumor with a second anti-SPARC antibody, wherein the second anti-SPARC antibody preferentially stains SPARC in fibroblasts d. determining the staining of tumor cells, fibroblasts, inflammatory cells, acellular stroma/matrix, blood vessels, nerve tissue, and normal anatomy within the tumor, or any combinations thereof, with the first anti-SPARC antibody and the staining of tumor blood vessels and tumor stroma with the second antibody e. predicting a positive response to the chemotherapeutic regimen if a predefined SMS is demonstrated by the immunostaining.
