Association of Ki-67 Expression and the Aggressiveness of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

The Department of Pathology, National Liver Institute* and Faculty of Medicine**, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Ki-67 is a nuclear proliferative marker. It is therefore widely used as a cell proliferation marker to grade tumors.
Aim of Study: The aim of the current study was to assess the possible association between Ki-67 and the aggressiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Material and Methods: This study was conducted at Pathology Department in National Liver Institute, Menoufia University. A total of 114 cases were included. TMA was performed for tumor blocks and stained with antibody against Ki-67.
Results: The percentage of Ki-67 expression ranged between 1 and 95% with a mean ±  SD of 56.72±40.53 and a median of 80. As regard Ki-67 expression, large tumor size group were significantly associated with increased expression of Ki-67 (p=0.049). On the other hand, older age group (>60 years) and large tumor size group (>5cm) were significantly associated with increased percentage of Ki-67 expression (p=0.035 and 0.015) respectively.
Conclusion: Ki-67 expression is associated with aggressive hepatocellular carcinoma, so it could change the type of therapy for these tumors.

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