PROGNOSTIC-SIGNIFICANCE OF KI-67 EXPRESSION IN TRANSITIONAL-CELL BLADDER-CARCINOMA AFTER RADICAL CYSTECTOMY

We evaluated the prognostic significance of the Ki-67 labeling index ( Ki-67 LI) in 75 patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladd er who underwent radical cystectomy. Immunohistochemical staining of a rchival material was performed by the streptavidin-biotin method. Univ ariate survival analysis showed that Ki-67 LI (p < 0.001), histologic grade (p < 0.05), tumor stage (p < 0.001) and the number of positive l ymph nodes (p < 0.001) significantly con-elated with prognosis. Multiv ariate survival analysis indicated that the Ki-67 LI (p < 0.05), histo logic grade (p < 0.01), tumor stage (p < 0.01), presence of lymph node metastases (p < 0.05) and use of neo-adjuvant therapy (p < 0.05) had independent prognostic value. The Ki-67 LI is an independent prognosti c factor for patients with transitional cell bladder cancer treated by radical cystectomy.