Can Ki67 and Caspase Predict Molar Progression?

Abstract

Background: A clinical risk score has been introduced into the management of persistent trophoblastic disease to allow individualized therapy. However, this risk scoring system lacks histopathologic predictors. The hypothesis is that there are prognostic histological markers that might contribute to the detection of those cases that will have persistent trophoblastic disease. Methods: Trophoblastic proliferation and apoptosis were investigated via immunohistochemical expression of Ki67 and caspase in 24 complete moles. These were divided into two groups; group A represented cases with persistent trophoblastic disease and group B represented cases with no persistent trophoblastic disease. Sections were immunostained with a monoclonal antibody for both caspase and Ki67. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between either group regarding the expression of Ki67 or caspase. Conclusion: Neither proliferation or apoptosis are reliable markers for progression of molar pregnancy.

Keywords: Vesicular mole; caspase; ki67; persistent trophoblastic disease.