Expression of Ki-67 in Prostate cancers and its correlation with Histopathological Grade and serum Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels: A study from eastern part of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Background: One of the commonest causes of deaths among men is prostate cancer. The biological behavior of these tumors is associated with their degree of cellular proliferation. Assessment of over-expression of Ki-67 labeling index is an objective measurement of proliferation and its association with Gleason grading can describe the aggressiveness of these cancers. Thus, the present study was undertaken to study the correlation between Ki-67 expression and histopathological grade with serum PSA levels. Methods: Twenty seven cases of histopathologically proven prostate cancers were studied over a period of 1.5 years and Gleason grade was assigned in each case. Expression of Ki-67 was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Results: Of the total 27 cases, Ki-67 was expressed in majority of the moderately and poorly differentiated tuomurs with 18 cases (66.6%) showing strong positivity. 8 cases (29.62%) revealed serum PSA levels above 20 ng/ml. Gleason's score of more than 7 was seen among 25 cases (92.6%). There was no significant (p>0.05) association of PSA level with Ki-67. However, association of Ki-67 index and Gleason's Grade was significant (p=0.03). Conclusion: Proliferative activity determined by Ki-67 reflects the aggressive behaviour of prostate cancers and association with Gleason's grade can aid in predicting the recurrence and deciding the appropriate therapy.