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 visual ized by the APAAP technique with new fuchsin as chromogen. The percent age of positively stained nuclei was correlated with tumor size. numbe r of metastatic lymph nodes, presence or absence of metastases in dist ant organs as well as with patient's age. The best correlations were a chieved when the data were considered separately within the groups wit h low, medium and high Ki-67 values. A possible significance of Ki-67 evaluation for the prognosis and therapy is discussed.