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Correlation between Ki-67 labeling index and mitotic index in Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Das C K Deepa1, Sunitha Balakrishnan
1Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
Background:
Proliferative activity of any tissue or neoplasm can be determined by its growth rate by mitotic count or by using antibodies directed against specific antigens like Ki-67. The usefulness of Ki-67 in head and neck cancers has been debated for the past 20 years; however, no study has definitively resolved this controversy.
Aim:
Assess the correlation between Ki-67 expression and mitotic index in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Materials And Methods:
This cross-sectional study was performed in 66 histologically proven cases of Head and Neck Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) received in a histopathology laboratory and satisfied the specified criteria. Tumor was graded. Mitotic and Ki67 labeling index was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate techniques to determine the correlation coefficient.
Results:
A statistically significant difference in the Ki67 labeling index (LI) between the grades of the tumor proper was noted (P = 0.040). An increase in the mean mitotic index with histological grade was noted, which was statistically significant in the proliferating margin (P = 0.037). A statistically significant positive correlation was noted between Ki67 LI and mitotic index in tumor proper (r = 0.263, P = 0.033) and proliferative margin (r = 0.364, P = 0.003).
Conclusion:
Mitotic index, a rapid and affordable tool for assessing cellular proliferation, becomes more relevant and practically effective when used in conjunction with Ki-67. Combined analysis of the two indices can be useful in the early diagnosis of possibly malignant lesions and in predicting tumor behavior.
