Association of Ki-67 With Clinicopathological Factors in Breast Cancer

Abstract

Background Carcinoma of the breast is one of the most common cancer in females, with preponderance among urban females. The patient's age, tumor size, lymph node status, histological type, histological grade, lymphovascular invasion, hormonal receptor status, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2neu) expression, and Ki-67 labeling index for proliferation rate can help determine the appropriate management strategy in these patients. The authors conducted this descriptive retrospective study to assess the association of Ki-67 with clinicopathological parameters in a newly established institute. This may help guide treatment planning in developing countries. Methodology Patients diagnosed with primary breast cancer in our institute between January 2017 and March 2020 were included in this study. The clinicopathological prognostic factors were retrieved from the records. Results A total of 129 cases of core needle biopsy and mastectomy specimens were included in this study. The patient's mean age and median age were 47.41 and 47 years, respectively. Only 56 specimens of mastectomy were received. T2 (26/56) was the most common tumor size. Grading was done in 46 cases, and grade 2 (23/46) was the most common. Estrogen, progesterone, and Her2neu were positive in 65, 61, and 59 cases, respectively. Only estrogen receptor (ER) expression (p = 0.035) and Her2neu (p = 0.035) overexpression were significantly correlated with Ki-67. Conclusions Ki-67 expression was correlated with clinicopathological factors. Only ER expression and Her2neu overexpression were significantly associated with Ki-67. Hence, patients with high Ki-67 expression may have better responses to hormonal therapy and chemotherapy.

Keywords: breast cancer; diagnosis; estrogen recepter; her2neu; progestron recepter; prognosis.