Proliferative Index (Ki67) for Prediction in Breast Duct Carcinomas

Abstract

Background and objectives: To date, many tumor markers have been used to predict prognosis and therapeutic<br />response in patients with breast cancer. The well established and routinely applied tumor markers are the estrogen-receptor,<br />progesterone-receptor and Her2/neu-receptor. In the current study, we aimed to highlight any association of the<br />proliferation index (Ki67) in breast infiltrative duct carcinoma with the tumor grade, tumor size and nodal status in<br />addition to hormone receptor status. Tissue sections were stained immunohistochemically for Ki67 nuclear antigen,<br />estrogen, progesterone and Her2/neu receptors using an automated Dako machine (Dako Denmark. There was a<br />significant inverse relationship of Ki67 levels with ER and PR, while values were directly proportional to the tumor<br />grade and Her2/neu status. No significant association was found between Ki67 and size of tumor or nodal status. Ki67<br />immunoexpression may offer an independent predictive tumor marker and for routine application in cases of breast cancer.