Ki-67 expression rates as indicator of metastatic lesions in lung neuroendocrine neoplasms
Summary. Purpose: to estimate potential practical value of Ki-67 expression rates as indicator of metastatic lesions in lung neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Object and research methods. Histological and immunohistochemical examination of FFPE blocks (biopsies and resections) obtained from 113 patients with bronchopulmonary NENs was performed. Ki-67 rates in absence and presence of regional and distant metastases were assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis test with the Holm-Bonferroni method. The ROC-curve was used to determine the «critical» Ki-67 rate as a criterion for probable widespread metastatic lesion of lymph nodes at the moment of lung NENs diagnosis. Results. Statistically significant relationship between Ki-67 rates and regional metastatic lesions was revealed. Ki-67 ≥18% can be considered as indicator of widespread lesion of the lymph nodes (mediastinal, head and neck, supraclavicular, axillary and other locations) at the moment of lung NENs diagnosis. Conclusions. Ki-67 expression rates ≥18% should cause the alertness of clinicians because of probable widespread metastatic lesion of the lymph nodes, which is usually an indication of an unfavorable prognosis in lung NENs.
Leave a comment