Comparison of visual and automated assessment of Ki-67 proliferative activity and their impact on outcome in primary operable invasive ductal breast cancer

Mohammed, Z.M.A., McMillan, D.C. , Elsberger, B., Going, J.J., Orange, C., Mallon, E., Doughty, J.C. and Edwards, J. (2012) Comparison of visual and automated assessment of Ki-67 proliferative activity and their impact on outcome in primary operable invasive ductal breast cancer. British Journal of Cancer, 106(2), pp. 383-388. (doi: 10.1038/bjc.2011.569)

Abstract

<b>BACKGROUND:</b> Immunohistochemistry of Ki-67 protein is widely used to assess tumour proliferation, and is an established prognostic factor in breast cancer. There is interest in automating the assessment of Ki-67 labelling index (LI) with possible benefits in handling increased workload, with improved accuracy and precision.<p></p> <b>PATIENTS AND METHODS:</b> Visual and automated assessment of Ki-67 LI and survival were examined in patients with primary operable invasive ductal breast cancer. Tissue microarrays (n=379 patients) immunostained for Ki-67 were scored visually and automatically with the Slidepath Tissue IA system.<p></p> <b>RESULTS:</b> Visual and automated Ki-67 LI were in excellent agreement (ICCC=0.96, P<0.001). On univariate analysis, visual (P<0.001) and automated Ki67 LI (P<0.05) were associated with cancer-specific survival in patients with invasive ductal breast cancer overall and in patients who received endocrine therapy (Tamoxifen) (P<0.01 for visual and P<0.05 for automated scoring).<p></p> <b>CONCLUSION:</b> Automated assessment of Ki-67 LI would appear to be comparable to visual Ki-67 LI. However, automated Ki-67 LI assessment was inferior in predicting cancer survival in patients with breast cancer, including patients who received Tamoxifen.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Elsberger, Miss Beatrix and McMillan, Professor Donald and Orange, Miss Clare and Mallon, Dr Elizabeth and Edwards, Professor Joanne and Doughty, Miss Julie and Mohammed, Miss Zahra and Going, Dr James
• Authors: Mohammed, Z.M.A., McMillan, D.C., Elsberger, B., Going, J.J., Orange, C., Mallon, E., Doughty, J.C., and Edwards, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Clinical Specialities
• Journal Name: British Journal of Cancer
• ISSN: 0007-0920
• ISSN (Online): 1532-1827
• Published Online: 03 January 2012