What is IHC - KI - 67?

This test is used to assess Tumor cell proliferation and also assess prognosis in patients with Bladder, Kidney, Lung, Ovary, Prostate, or Thyroid malignancy. It also assists in grading neuroendocrine tumors. This test is used to assess the proliferation of tumor cells in all types of Cancer. Ki-67 is a nuclear non-histone protein present in low levels in Quiescent cells and it increases in proliferating cells. This is the reason why Ki-67 is termed as a specific nuclear marker for cell proliferation by using IHC (Immunohistochemical)Method.

Preparation

No special preparation is needed for this test. Inform your doctor if you are on any medications or have any underlying medical conditions or allergies before undergoing the IHC-Ki-67-Marker. Your doctor depending on your condition will give specific instructions.

Uses

This test is used to assess the proliferation of tumor cells and also to assess prognosis in patients with various types of cancer. Since Ki-67 is a nuclear non-histone protein present in low levels in Quiescent cells and it increases in proliferating cells. And hence called a specific nuclear marker for cell proliferation. Higher Ki-67 reactivity can mean adverse outcomes. For breast cancer, the prognosis is favorable if the Ki-67 value is less than 10%. Borderline if it is 10-20% and unfavorable when it becomes more than 20%.

Procedure

The sample is collected, i.e., A smear, or a tissue of the tumor. Precaution is to be taken to avoid the sample being contaminated. The sample is then transferred to a small sterile vial containing saline solution. Deparaffinization is done to the collected tissue of the tumor followed by antigen unmasking. Staining is done by using chromogens. The Percentage of the tumor cells that report nuclear staining is noted down and interpreted.