Role of Ki-67 as an Adjunct to Histopathological Diagnosis in the Grading of Astrocytic Tumors

The Ki-67 Labelling Index (LI) is used as an ancillary tool to assess cell proliferation activity in glioma diagnosis. It is a potent biologic marker that estimates the growth of neoplasm and thus will aid in identifying the prognosis in patients with glioma. To study the expression of Ki-67 in astrocytic tumors and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters. Clinico-radiological details of forty-three cases of glioma were documented. H&E slides were reviewed for histopathological grade and morphology. KI-67 Labelling Index was studied by immunohistochemical analysis at ‘hot-spot’ areas. Cases were segregated into high and low grades taking 4% as a cut-off as per WHO criteria. Statistical analysis was carried out using standard statistical software with a p-value of ≤ 0.05 taken as statistically significant. A total of 43 patients were included comprising 31 males and 12 females with a mean age of 46.14 years. Ki-67 labeling index showed a statistically significant relationship with the advanced age (p=0.01), higher histological grade (p=<0.00001), presence of cellular atypia (p=0.0002), necrosis (p=<0.00001), and microvascular proliferation (p=<0.00001). Ki-67 assessment supplements standard histopathological grading. It is a simple and reliable method. This study demonstrates that it can serve as an important prognostic marker. It can be used as an adjunct to histopathological diagnosis.