Ki-67 (clone MIB-1) proliferation index in recurrent glial neoplasms: No prognostic significance

BACKGROUND To determine if the Ki-67 (MIB-1 clone) proliferative index (PT) has progno stic potential in patients with recurrent astroglial neoplasms. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 27 patients whose initial and recurr ent specimens were available. Histopathology was determined according to th e World Health Organization classification. Proliferation index was calcula ted on formalin-fixed tissue using the Ki-67 MIB-1 clone) antibody. Morphom etric data were analyzed in conjunction with clinical data and Cox Proporti onate Hazards Analysis, Spearman's correlation coefficient and Mann-Whitney Test. RESULTS Initial histopathology included 14 glioblastoma multiforme, 7 anaplastic as trocytoma, 3 oligoastrocytoma, and 3 astrocytoma. Recurrent specimens showe d changes consistent with treatment. While univariate analysis shows initia l histology correlated with survival (p < 0.036), PI did not correlate with survival after either initial (p = 0.86) or recurrent (p = 0.46) surgery f or any tumor type PI difference between specimens also did not correlate wi th survival (p = 0.91). Initial PI did not correlate with recurrent PI eith er (p = 0.43). CONCLUSIONS Ki-67 PI does not confer additional prognostic information for patients wit h recurrent astroglial neoplasms. One possible explanation for this observa tion is that treatment may alter the PI independent of its effect on tumor growth. (C) 1998 by Elsevier Science Inc.