Correlation between the occurrence of Ki-67 antigen and clinical parameters in human breast carcinoma

Cryostat sections of ductal breast carcinomas obtained during surgery from 48 patients were subjected to an indirect immunostaining with an antibody against Ki-67 antigen (Dako). The primary reaction was visualized by the APAAP technique with new fuchsin as chromogen. The percentage of positively stained nuclei was correlated with tumor size, number of metastatic lymph nodes, presence or absence of metastases in distant organs as well as with patient's age. The best correlations were achieved when the data were considered separately within the groups with low, medium and high Ki-67 values. A possible significance of Ki-67 evaluation for the prognosis and therapy is discussed.