Study of Ki-67 and E-Cadherin Expression in Cervical Cancer as Marker of Proliferation and Invasiveness

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical carcinoma is one of the most frequent cancers in women all over the world, especially in the developing countries. Increased cell proliferation and decreased cell adhesion are implicated in tumor development. Ki-67 is a well-known cellular proliferation marker and E-cadherin is an important cell adhesion protein related to tumor invasion and metastasis. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of Ki-67 and E-cadherin in cervical cancer for assessment of tumor growth and invasion and to find out their correlation. Also their association with histopathological grade and stage, detection of cervical cancer patients and use of these biomarkers as a sign of proliferation and invasion are also discussed. Materials and methods: The present study was a descriptive cross-sectional observational study. The study was conducted in Department of Pathology, N.R.S. Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, Sealdah, Raja Bazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700014 for a period of 18 months. The study population consisted of 62 individuals. Result: High Ki-67 expression was significantly associated with poorly differentiated tumors and advanced FIGO stage (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). E-cadherin expression significantly decreased with increasing tumor grade and stage (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001 respectively). A statistically significant inverse association was observed between Ki-67 and E-cadherin expression (p = 0.0001) suggesting that increased proliferation is associated with decreased cell adhesion and increased invasiveness.Conclusion: Ki-67 and E-cadherin are important markers for assessing tumor behavior in cervical cancer. Their combined evaluation could provide valuable prognostic information and assist the identification of aggressive tumors.