ki67 in breast cancer

Release time ：Dec-23,2024

Ki67 is a nuclear protein that plays a pivotal role in cell proliferation. In the context of breast cancer, the Ki67 index is frequently utilized to gauge the proliferative activity of tumor cells, aiding physicians in comprehending the cancer's growth velocity and devising treatment strategies.

Breast cancers with a low Ki67 index—typically below 14%—tend to grow more slowly and are more responsive to endocrine therapy, potentially necessitating less chemotherapy or radiotherapy for these patients. In contrast, those with a moderate Ki67 index ranging from 14% to 30% exhibit a moderate growth rate and may benefit from a multimodality approach encompassing surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy. Lastly, breast cancers with a high Ki67 index—above 30%—grow rapidly and are associated with a heightened risk of recurrence, warranting more aggressive interventions such as intensified chemotherapy and targeted therapies.

Understanding one's Ki67 index is crucial for breast cancer patients as it facilitates a clearer understanding of the disease's characteristics and assists in selecting the most suitable treatment regimen. However, it is important to recognize that the Ki67 index is but one of several indicators for breast cancer assessment; a personalized treatment plan should be developed by integrating additional clinical and pathological features. Consequently, patients should adhere to their physicians' advice, engage in regular follow-ups and monitoring, and be prepared to modify their treatment plan as needed.