To assess the utility of proliferative marker Ki-67 in surface epithelial ovarian tumor

Background: Surface epithelial ovarian tumor (SEOT) accounts for more than 90% of all the ovarian tumors and are the most lethal one. Cellular proliferation plays a significant role in the clinical behavior and aggressiveness of ovarian tumor. Proliferative activity of the tumor can be assessed using the proliferative marker Ki-67, which has both diagnostic and prognostic values. Aim and Objective: The aim and objective of this study was to assess the expression of proliferative marker Ki-67 in various SEOT and correlate its level of expression with clinicopathological parameters including the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging and preoperative CA-125 level. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional and observational study carried out in the Department of Pathology, JNMC, Sawangi, Wardha, over 2 years. It included 74 patients with surgically resected specimen of SEOT. Ki-67 immunohistochemistry was performed in all the 74 cases, and the percentage of immunopositive cells was expressed as Ki-67 labeling index (Ki-67 LI). Results: Out of 74 cases, 54 were benign and 20 were malignant which comprised serous and mucinous histological subtypes. Ki-67 expression was found to be positive only in malignant tumors (Ki-67 LI >1%). High Ki-67 LI was associated with high-grade serous cystadenocarcinoma (48.5%), advanced FIGO staging (40.5%), and high CA-125 levels. However, there was no association between Ki-67 LI and histological subtype. Conclusion: Ki-67 is a cost-effective proliferative marker. Therefore, immunohistochemical assessment of Ki-67 expression can be included in routine histopathological report of SEOT for diagnosis and prognostication which will help in better understanding of the biologic behavior of the tumor and modifying treatment strategies.