what is ki 67 in breast cancer

Release time ：Dec-07,2024

Ki67 is a protein located within the cell nucleus and is closely associated with cell proliferation. In the context of breast cancer, the Ki67 index is frequently utilized to evaluate the proliferative activity of tumor cells, essentially gauging the rate at which the tumor grows. Specifically, the Ki67 index is ascertained by measuring the expression levels of the Ki67 protein within tumor tissues. A higher Ki67 index indicates more vigorous proliferation of tumor cells and a quicker tumor growth rate. Generally, a Ki67 index below 14% is classified as low proliferation, while an index above 30% is considered high proliferation. Tumors with low proliferation tend to grow more slowly and respond better to treatment; in contrast, those with high proliferation grow more rapidly and might necessitate more aggressive therapeutic approaches. However, it's important to recognize that the Ki67 index is not the sole biomarker for assessing tumor proliferation, nor is it the exclusive factor in determining treatment strategies. Physicians consider a multitude of factors, including the patient's age, tumor dimensions, grade, and hormone receptor status, to devise personalized treatment plans. Consequently, patients should adhere to their physician's advice, engage in regular follow-ups and monitoring, and be prepared to adjust their treatment plans as needed.