Growth fractions of human renal cell carcinoma defined by monoclonal antibody Ki‐67. Predictive values for prognosis

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Abstract
Background: We used immunohistochemical techniques to elucidate the role of growth fractions of renal cell carcinoma in the clinicopathology of the condition and patient survival. Methods: Fifty‐two fresh‐frozen nephrectomy specimens were immunostained with Ki‐67 monoclonal antibody. Ki‐67 indexes were determined to examine the relationship between tumor size, grade, stage and survival curve. This study included 43 men and nine women with the mean age 58.4 ± 11.7 years, who had been followed up for 39 ± 25 months. Results: The Ki‐67 index ranged from 0.6 to 14.1%, averaging 4.6 ± 5.8%. It was 2.8 ± 2.4% in tumors 5.6% (P = 0.029). However, multivariate analysis demonstrated that tumor size (P = 0.034) and grade (P = 0.038) were higher in hazard ratio than the Ki‐67 index. Conclusions: Most renal cell carcinomas had low growth fractions. Although a high Ki‐67 index should indicate a poor prognosis, Ki‐67 did not correlate to metastasis. We believe it is necessary to investigate the factors, other than growth potential, that affect metastasis.