Ki-67 antigen expression as a prognostic factor in primary and recurrent astrocytomas.
OBJECTIVE
Histological grading is widely used to evaluate the prognosis for patients with astrocytic tumors. Many complimentary methods have been introduced, such as proliferation markers in order to better assess the proliferative potential of these gliomas.


METHODS
Archival, paraffin embedded specimens of recurrent astrocytic tumors of varying grades from 22 patients were examined using antibodies against Ki-67 (MIB-1). Labeling indices (LI) were analyzed at the first and second operations and compared with tumor grades, age of the patients and the time between the operations as well as the survival time.


RESULTS
There was a progression of malignancy between the operations. Dividing Ki-67 labeling indices in < or = 10% vs. > 10% significantly separated parameters such as the time between the first operation and relapse as well as the cumulative proportion of survival. The proliferation fraction was an independent prognostic factor.


CONCLUSIONS
Assessment of Ki-67 LI is highly recommended in addition to histology in evaluation of the malignancy potential of astrocytic tumors.
Eneström
S
S
Department of Pathology, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
Vavruch
L
L
Frånlund
B
B
Nordenskjöld
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012008:Recurrence; D016019:Survival Analysis
D019394:Ki-67 Antigen