Apoptotic index: use in predicting recurrence in breast cancer patients

Apoptosis maintains tissue homeostasis through its ability to control cell population and has been extensively studied in human cancers. Relation of apoptosis to prognosis is still controversial. In this study, we analyzed the prognostic significance of apoptotic and mitotic indices (AI & MI) using hematoxylin and eosin stained slides by light microscopy in breast cancer patients. In our study, apoptotic index was significantly associated with predicting relapse free survival (RFS), distant recurrence free survival (DRFS) and overall survival (OS) with lesions having higher apoptotic index showing poor prognosis. Our results also point out that quantitation of apoptotic index by simple light microscopy as a routine practice along with histological diagnosis, could provide additional prognostic information in patients who are at high risk of developing recurrence with breast cancers.