Prognostic Importance of Ki-67 Labeling Index in Grade II Glial Tumors

OBJECTIVE To date, several methods have been identified for predicting the prognostic subgroups of grade II gliomas; however, these methods have some limitations in predicting survival. So, we aimed to determine the predictive role of Ki-67 labeling, index (LI) on survival. METHODS Between 1995 and 2011, patients with grade II, gliomas were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received radiotherapy (RT). RESULTS This study included 78 patients with median 44 (range, 6-137) months follow-up. Patients aged >= 40 years had a poorer overall survival (OS) than those aged <10 years (p=0.04). Patients with gross total resection/ subtotal resection had a longer OS than those with biopsy/partial resection (p=0.001). If the disease had recurrence or progression during the follow-up period, the patients had a poorer OS (p=0.01). Patients with a Ki-67 LI >= 4% had a poorer OS than those with Ki-67 LI < 4%(p=0.001). The extent of resection, recurrence, or progression, and Ki-67 LI >= 4% were the independent prognostic factors for OS. CONCLUSION In our opinion, Ki-67 LI is an important prognostic factor for grade II gliomas, hut it cannot be used as a diagnostic measure alone. It must be used in combination with the other prognostic factors.