The pathologist's role in 2008 includes diagnosic, prognostic and predictive implications. Histopathologic criteria are still essential to manage the disease of cancer patients. They need to be based on standardized pathology reports and can use ancillary techniques such as immunohistochemistry and molecular biology. However, all the criteria used are not sufficient enough to provide accurate prognostic and predictive parameters for every patient and disease. This is the reason why translational studies more often involve the pathologist in prospective trials. The modern pathology is really integrated in this strategy, in terms of multidisciplinary approach, tumor banking, tissue microarray, molecular biology and new fixatives developments. All these subjects are discussed in this review article.