Prognostic Significance of Ki67 Expression in Prostate Cancer in Nigerians: A Single-Center Study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pathology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death globally, with risk factors including age and race.
• The Gleason score is a standard prognostic factor, but additional markers are needed for precise risk stratification.
• Ki67, a marker of cellular proliferation, may offer insights into prostate cancer aggressiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the significance of Ki67 expression as a prognostic marker in prostate cancer.
• To correlate Ki67 expression with patient age and Gleason scores in a Nigerian population.
• To aid in categorizing prostate cancer patients for appropriate treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 142 histologically diagnosed prostate cancer cases from Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
• Immunohistochemical analysis using Ki67 monoclonal antibodies to determine the proliferative index (negative, low, high).
• Correlation of Ki67 index with patient age, Gleason scores, and tumor differentiation.

Main Results:

• The majority of cases (71.8%) were poorly differentiated (Gleason scores 8-10).
• High Ki67 proliferative index was significantly associated with poorly differentiated tumors (Gleason scores 8-10).
• A direct correlation was observed between high Ki67 index and higher Gleason scores, indicating tumor aggressiveness.

Conclusions:

• High Ki67 proliferative index is an adverse prognostic factor in prostate cancer, directly correlating with histologic grade and aggressiveness.
• Ki67 expression is a valuable tool for risk stratification and guiding treatment decisions in prostate cancer patients.
• No direct relationship was found between patient age and Ki67 proliferative index in this cohort.