Detection of Ki-67 proliferation rate in breast cancer. Correlation with clinical and pathologic features.
In situ determination of proliferative activity was performed on 203 breast cancers by use of Ki-67 monoclonal antibody and immunohistochemical methods. Tumor proliferation rate was analyzed and correlated to tumor size and nodal status. The relationship between Ki-67 proliferative activity and nuclear estrogen receptor content was also investigated on adjacent tissue sections. Ki-67 values ranged from 1 to 75%, with a median value of 10%. Premenopausal patients had greater Ki-67 values (median value, 14.1%) than postmenopausal ones (median value, 9.8%). The authors observed no correlation with lymph nodal involvement, whereas a statistically significant relationship with tumor size was found (P less than 0.01). An inverse correlation (Spearman's coefficient = -0.56; P less than 0.001) was seen between Ki-67 values and nuclear estrogen receptor content. These results, similar to those reported for other kinetic measurements, suggest that in situ detection of Ki-67 proliferation rate is a useful method for obtaining cell cycle information. Follow-up studies will be needed to assess an eventual prognostic relevance.
Veronese
S M
SM
Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Ospedale di Niguarda, Milan, Italy.
Gambacorta
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D002455:Cell Division; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000378:metabolism
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen