Ki-67 is an independent predictor of prostate cancer death in routine needle biopsy samples: proving utility for routine assessments

The Benefit of Combining Docetaxel with Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Localized and Metastatic Hormone-sensitive Prostate Cancer is Predicted by ERG Expression: An Analysis of Two GETUG Phase 3 Trials

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Docetaxel has become a standard component of care for advanced prostate cancer (PC); however, its benefits are not universal among patients. A subset of PC cases exhibit TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion, resulting in ERG overexpression in tumors. Our aim was to assess biomarkers for docetaxel efficacy in men with hormone-sensitive PC (HSPC).

METHODS

Pretreatment prostate biopsies were obtained from participants in two randomized phase 3 clinical trials investigating docetaxel in high-risk localized PC (GETUG 12) and metastatic HSPC (GETUG 15). Immunohistochemistry staining for Ki67, PTEN, RB, and phosphorylated RB was conducted for GETUG 12 samples, and ERG staining for GETUG 12 and GETUG 15 samples. We examined biomarker association with outcomes using univariate and multivariable analyses adjusted for other validated prognostic factors.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

Among GETUG 12 patients, Ki67 was associated with a worse relapse-free survival (RFS; hazard ratio [HR] 1.72; p = 0.0092). A pooled analysis for the two trials (pinteraction = 0.056) revealed that docetaxel-based chemotherapy improved failure-free survival for patients with ERG-positive cancer (HR 0.58; p = 0.03), but not patients with ERG-negative cancer (HR 1.08; p = 0.72). In the ERG-positive subgroup in GETUG 12 (high-risk localized PC), median RFS was 7.79 yr with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) alone, and was not reached with ADT + docetaxel. In the ERG-negative subgroup, median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 7.79 yr with ADT alone versus 7.08 yr with ADT + docetaxel. In the ERG-positive subgroup in GETUG 15 (metastatic HSPC), mPFS was 10.7 mo with ADT alone versus 18.8 mo with ADT + docetaxel. In the ERG-negative subgroup, mPFS was 10.6 mo with ADT alone versus 13.2 mo with ADT + docetaxel.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Ki67 may serve as a prognostic factor in HSPC, while ERG expression appears to predict a response to docetaxel in both high-risk localized and metastatic HSPC.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We assessed factors that could predict outcomes after docetaxel chemotherapy in patients with advanced prostate cancer. We found that expression of a protein called ERG can predict a good response to docetaxel in these patients.

Prognostic Significance of Ki67 Expression in Prostate Cancer in Nigerians: A Single-Center Study

Introduction Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers occurring in men and one of the leading causes of cancer deaths globally. Associated risk factors include age, race, and positive family history. Older patients have an increased risk for more aggressive forms. Its incidence is particularly high in Black men. The Gleason grading and scoring system is an established prognostic factor for prostate cancer. Ki67, a nuclear protein, coded for by the MKi67 gene located on chromosome 10q26.2 and detected in all phases of the cell cycle, provides information on the proliferation index of cancer cells, including prostate cancer. This study is purposed to establish the significance of Ki67 expression as a prognostic marker of prostate cancer by correlating it with patients' age and Gleason scores, respectively, with the aim of understanding the molecular characteristics of prostate cancers in our environment, in order to assist in categorizing patients for treatment. Materials and methods This was a retrospective study carried out in Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Jos, Nigeria, involving histologically diagnosed prostate cancers over a five-year period. The surgical pathology reports and information on patients' biodata and clinical features were retrieved from departmental records and the hospital's electronic records. The appropriate archival hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained slides and their respective formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks were retrieved and reviewed, with new sections made when necessary. Immunohistochemical analysis to assess the Ki67 proliferative index was carried out on sections made from representative blocks of each case using Ki67 monoclonal antibodies, according to the established protocol prescribed by the manufacturers. The Ki67 proliferative index was categorized as negative, low, and high. Data obtained were analyzed, and results were presented as percentages/frequencies and displayed as tables and charts. Results One hundred forty-two cases met the inclusion criteria. The age range was 30-90 years. The peak age group was 70-79 years with 38% (54/142). Majority, 81.7% (117/142), of cases occurred in patients above 60 years old. An overwhelming majority, 71.8% (102/142), of cases were poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas (Gleason scores 8-10), 21.1% (30/142) were moderately differentiated (Gleason score 7), and 7.0% (10/142) were well-differentiated (Gleason score 6). Among high Ki67 proliferative index cases, 81.4% (57/70) were aged above 60 years. Similarly, 85.1% (40/47) of low proliferative index cases were also aged above 60 years. Additionally, 92.5% (37/40) of well- and moderately differentiated cancers (Gleason scores 6 and 7) had negative or low Ki67 proliferative indices, while 65.7% (67/102) of the poorly differentiated (Gleason scores 8-10) had high indices. Conclusion Our study demonstrated a direct correlation of the Ki67 proliferative index with both histologic grade and aggressiveness of prostate carcinoma in a Nigerian population thereby confirming high Ki67 proliferative index as an adverse prognostic factor in prostate cancer. It, however, showed no direct relationship between age and Ki67 proliferative index. Determination of the Ki67 proliferative index is recommended for routine assessment of prostate cancer patients to help in risk stratification and instituting treatment plans.

High Omega-3, Low Omega-6 Diet With Fish Oil for Men With Prostate Cancer on Active Surveillance: The CAPFISH-3 Randomized Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

Men on active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer are extremely interested in dietary changes or supplements to prevent progression of their disease. We sought to determine whether a high omega-3, low omega-6 fatty acid diet with fish oil capsules (D + FO) decreases proliferation (Ki-67) in prostate biopsies in men with prostate cancer on AS over a 1-year time period.

METHODS

In this phase II, prospective randomized trial, men (N = 100) with grade group 1 or 2 prostate cancer who elected AS were randomly assigned to the D + FO or a control group. Same-site prostate biopsies were obtained at baseline and 1 year. The primary end point was the change in Ki-67 index from baseline to 1 year from same-site biopsies compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The Ki-67 index decreased in the D + FO group by approximately 15% from baseline to 1 year (1.34% at baseline, 1.14% at 1 year) and increased in the control group by approximately 24% from baseline to 1 year (1.23% at baseline, 1.52% at 1 year), resulting in a statistically significant difference in the change of Ki-67 index between the groups (95% CI, 2% to 52%, P = .043). There was no significant difference in the secondary outcomes grade group, tumor length, Decipher genomic score, or prostate-specific antigen between the two groups. Four patients in the D + FO group were withdrawn from the trial because of adverse events related to the FO.

CONCLUSION

A high omega-3, low omega-6 diet with FO for 1 year resulted in a significant reduction in Ki-67 index, a biomarker for prostate cancer progression, metastasis, and death. These findings support future phase III trials incorporating this intervention in men on AS.

Expression of SPRED2 in the lung adenocarcinoma

SPRED2 (Sprouty-related, EVH1 domain-containing protein 2), a negative regulator of the ERK1/2 pathway, is downregulated in several cancers; however, the significance of SPRED2 expression in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear. Here, we investigated the pathological expression of SPRED2 and its relationship with ERK1/2 activation (ERK1/2 phosphorylation), Ki67 index and clinicopathological features in 77 LUAD tissues from clinical patients. Immunohistochemically, SPRED2 expression was decreased in invasive adenocarcinoma (IA) compared to adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS). There was a negative correlation between SPRED2 expression and pERK1/2 levels and a positive correlation between SPRED2 expression and Ki67 index. In the database analysis, the survival probability was higher in patients with higher SPRED2 expression than in those with lower expression. In vitro, SPRED2 deletion increased cell proliferation, migration and invasion of three LUAD cell lines (A549:KRAS mutation, H1993:METamplification, and HCC4006:EGFR mutation), whereas SPRED2 overexpression decreased these responses. Thus, SPRED2 appears to be a regulator of LUAD progression and a potential target for the treatment of LUAD.

Redefining prostate cancer risk stratification: a pioneering strategy to estimate outcome based on Ki67 immunoscoring

Accurate prostate cancer (PCa) patient diagnosis and risk assessment are key to ensure the best outcome. Currently, low- and favorable intermediate-risk PCa patients may be offered AS due to the indolent nature of the disease. Nonetheless, deciding between active surveillance and curative-intent treatment remains an intricate task, as a subset of these patients may eventually progress, enduring poorer prognosis. Herein, we sought to construct risk calculators based on cancer biomarkers, enabling more accurate discrimination among patients which may benefit from active interventions.Ki67 immunoscore, GSTP1 and KLF8 promoter methylation levels (me) were assessed in PCa tissues. Study endpoints included overall and biochemical recurrence-free (BCR) survival. Combination with relevant clinicopathological parameters allowed for construction of graphical calculating tools (nomograms).Higher Ki67 index correlated with worse BCR-free survival, whereas higher KLF8me levels were associated with improved overall survival, especially in patients with lower-grade tumors. GSTP1me levels had no prognostic value. Among prognostic models tested, a BCR-risk calculator - ProstARK (including Ki67 and clinicopathologic parameters) - disclosed 79.17% specificity, 66.67% sensitivity, 55% positive predictive value, 86% negative predictive value, and 75.76% accuracy. Similar results were found using an independent PCa biopsy cohort, validating its prognostication ability.Combining clinicopathologic features and Ki67 index into a risk calculator enables easy and accurate implementation of a novel PCa prognostication tool. This nomogram may be useful for a more accurate selection of patients for active surveillance protocols. Nonetheless, validation in a larger, multicentric, set of diagnostic PCa biopsies is mandatory for further confirmation of these results.

A novel nomogram model based on Ki-67 characteristic expression to predict prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Objectives

This study aimed to examine Ki-67's correlation with clinicopathological characteristics of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), evaluate its prognostic significance, and develop a Ki-67 integrated prognostic model.

Methods

The retrospective study included 764 HNSCC patients hospitalized from 2012 to 2022. Data were sourced from medical records and immunohistochemical analysis of surgical specimens.

Results

Ki-67 expression was significantly associated with sex, pathological grade, clinical stage, and metastasis, but not with age or recurrence. Higher Ki-67 levels were linked to poorer prognosis, as indicated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Utilizing a Cox proportional hazards model, four prognostic factors were identified: age, recurrence, metastasis, and Ki-67 expression. These factors were used to construct a prognostic model and a nomogram. The model's predictive accuracy was confirmed by a high concordance index and a reliable calibration curve.

Conclusion

Ki-67 expression in HNSCC patients correlates with several clinicopathological features and serves as a negative prognostic marker. A prognostic model incorporating Ki-67 was successfully developed, offering a new tool for patient prognosis assessment in HNSCC.

Marker Ki-67 is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer based on two cohorts

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a widespread malignancy, predominantly affecting elderly males, and current methods for diagnosis and treatment of this disease continue to fall short. The marker Ki-67 (MKI67) has been previously demonstrated to correlate with the proliferation and metastasis of various cancer cells, including those of PCa. Hence, verifying the association between MKI67 and the diagnosis and prognosis of PCa, using bioinformatics databases and clinical data analysis, carries significant clinical implications.

AIM

To explore the diagnostic and prognostic efficacy of antigens identified by MKI67 expression in PCa.

METHODS

For cohort 1, the efficacy of MKI67 diagnosis was evaluated using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases. For cohort 2, the diagnostic and prognostic power of MKI67 expression was further validated using data from 271 patients with clinical PCa.

RESULTS

In cohort 1, MKI67 expression was correlated with prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Gleason Score, T stage, and N stage. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed a strong diagnostic ability, and the Kaplan-Meier method demonstrated that MKI67 expression was negatively associated with the progression-free interval (PFI). The time-ROC curve displayed a weak prognostic capability for MKI67 expression in PCa. In cohort 2, MKI67 expression was significantly related to the Gleason Score, T stage, and N stage; however, it was negatively associated with the PFI. The time-ROC curve revealed the stronger prognostic capability of MKI67 in patients with PCa. Multivariate COX regression analysis was performed to select risk factors, including PSA level, N stage, and MKI67 expression. A nomogram was established to predict the 3-year PFI.

CONCLUSION

MKI67 expression was positively associated with the Gleason Score, T stage, and N stage and showed a strong diagnostic and prognostic ability in PCa.

Prognostic significance of grade of malignancy based on histopathological differentiation and Ki-67 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Tumor cell malignancy is indicated by histopathological differentiation and cell proliferation. Ki-67, an indicator of cellular proliferation, has been used for tumor grading and classification in breast cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. However, its prognostic significance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains uncertain.

METHODS

Patients who underwent radical pancreatectomy for PDAC were retrospectively enrolled, and relevant prognostic factors were examined. Grade of malignancy (GOM), a novel index based on histopathological differentiation and Ki-67, is proposed, and its clinical significance was evaluated.

RESULTS

The optimal threshold for Ki-67 was determined to be 30%. Patients with a Ki-67 expression level > 30% rather than ≤ 30% had significantly shorter 5-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). In multivariate analysis, both histopathological differentiation and Ki-67 were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS and RFS. The GOM was used to independently stratify OS and RFS into 3 tiers, regardless of TNM stage and other established prognostic factors. The tumor-node-metastasis-GOM stage was used to stratify survival into 5 distinct tiers, and surpassed the predictive performance of TNM stage for OS and RFS.

CONCLUSIONS

Ki-67 is a valuable prognostic indicator for PDAC. Inclusion of the GOM in the TNM staging system may potentially enhance prognostic accuracy for PDAC.

Differences in the pathogenetic characteristics of prostate cancer in the transitional and peripheral zones and the possible molecular biological mechanisms

Since the theory of modern anatomical partitioning of the prostate was proposed, the differences in the incidence and pathological parameters of prostate cancer between the peripheral zone and transition zone have been gradually revealed. It suggests that there are differences in the pathogenic pathways and molecular biology of prostate cancer between different regions of origin. Over the past decade, advances in sequencing technologies have revealed more about molecules, genomes, and cell types specific to the peripheral and transitional zones. In recent years, the innovation of spatial imaging and multiple-parameter magnetic resonance imaging has provided new technical support for the zonal study of prostate cancer. In this work, we reviewed all the research results and the latest research progress in the study of prostate cancer in the past two decades. We summarized and proposed several vital issues and focused directions for understanding the differences between peripheral and transitional zones in prostate cancer.

Predictive factors associated with differential pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy in high-risk localized prostate cancer

PURPOSE

To explore the clinical parameters and molecular biomarkers that can predict differential pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy (NCHT) in prostate cancer (CaP).

METHODS

A total of 128 patients with primary high-risk localized CaP who had received NCHT followed by radical prostatectomy (RP) were included. Androgen receptor (AR), AR splice variant-7 (AR-V7) and Ki-67 staining were evaluated in prostate biopsy specimens by immunohistochemistry. The pathologic response to NCHT in whole mount RP specimens was measured based on the reduction degree of tumor volume and cellularity compared to the paired pretreatment needle biopsy, and divided into 5 tier grades (Grades 0-4). Patients with Grades 2 to 4 (the reduction degree more than 30%) were defined as having a favorable response. Logistic regression was performed to explore the predictive factors associated with a favorable pathologic response. The predictive accuracy was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Ninety-seven patients (75.78%) had a favorable response to NCHT. Logistic regression showed that the preoperative PSA level, low AR expression and high Ki-67 expression in biopsy specimens were associated with a favorable pathologic response (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the AUC of the preoperative PSA level, AR and Ki-67 were 0.625, 0.624 and 0.723, respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that the rate of favorable pathologic response to NCHT was 88.5% in patients with AR^lowKi-67^high, which was higher than patients with AR^lowKi-67^low, AR^highKi-67^low, and AR^highKi-67^high (88.5% vs. 73.9%, 72.9%, and 70.9%, all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A lower preoperative PSA level was an independent predictive factor for a favorable pathologic response. Moreover, the expression status of AR and Ki-67 in biopsy specimens were associated with differential pathologic response to NCHT, and AR low/Ki-67 high was also associated with favorable response but warrants further evaluation in this patient subgroup and future trial clinical trial design.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of Interleukin-30 suppresses IGF1 and CXCL5 and boosts SOCS3 reducing prostate cancer growth and mortality

BACKGROUND

Metastatic prostate cancer (PC) is a leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide. Targeting of the culprits of disease progression is an unmet need. Interleukin (IL)-30 promotes PC onset and development, but whether it can be a suitable therapeutic target remains to be investigated. Here, we shed light on the relationship between IL30 and canonical PC driver genes and explored the anti-tumor potential of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of IL30.

METHODS

PC cell production of, and response to, IL30 was tested by flow cytometry, immunoelectron microscopy, invasion and migration assays and PCR arrays. Syngeneic and xenograft models were used to investigate the effects of IL30, and its deletion by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, on tumor growth. Bioinformatics of transcriptional data and immunopathology of PC samples were used to assess the translational value of the experimental findings.

RESULTS

Human membrane-bound IL30 promoted PC cell proliferation, invasion and migration in association with STAT1/STAT3 phosphorylation, similarly to its murine, but secreted, counterpart. Both human and murine IL30 regulated PC driver and immunity genes and shared the upregulation of oncogenes, BCL2 and NFKB1, immunoregulatory mediators, IL1A, TNF, TLR4, PTGS2, PD-L1, STAT3, and chemokine receptors, CCR2, CCR4, CXCR5. In human PC cells, IL30 improved the release of IGF1 and CXCL5, which mediated, via autocrine loops, its potent proliferative effect. Deletion of IL30 dramatically downregulated BCL2, NFKB1, STAT3, IGF1 and CXCL5, whereas tumor suppressors, primarily SOCS3, were upregulated. Syngeneic and xenograft PC models demonstrated IL30's ability to boost cancer proliferation, vascularization and myeloid-derived cell infiltration, which were hindered, along with tumor growth and metastasis, by IL30 deletion, with improved host survival. RNA-Seq data from the PanCancer collection and immunohistochemistry of high-grade locally advanced PCs demonstrated an inverse association (chi-squared test, p = 0.0242) between IL30 and SOCS3 expression and a longer progression-free survival of patients with IL30^NegSOCS3^PosPC, when compared to patients with IL30^PosSOCS3^NegPC.

CONCLUSIONS

Membrane-anchored IL30 expressed by human PC cells shares a tumor progression programs with its murine homolog and, via juxtacrine signals, steers a complex network of PC driver and immunity genes promoting prostate oncogenesis. The efficacy of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeting of IL30 in curbing PC progression paves the way for its clinical use.

Utility of Serum Ki-67 as a Marker for Malignancy in Dogs

Simple Summary

Although serum tumour markers offer an uncomplicated, non-invasive examination method and possible therapeutic options, they are still rarely used in veterinary medicine. Our marker of interest, the Ki-67 protein, can only be detected in the active phases of the cell cycle. Therefore, it is a suitable marker for assessing the proliferating cell fraction of an organism and can thus provide information about potentially present, rapid-growing tumour tissue. The purpose of our study was to determine whether Ki-67 could be considered as a possible tumour marker in canine serum for veterinary medicine. We measured serum concentrations of Ki-67 in dogs with various malignant tumours, such as carcinomas, sarcomas, and lymphomas. In the dogs with malignant tumours we determined significantly higher serum Ki-67 concentrations compared with healthy dogs and dogs with non-malignant diseases. No significant difference in serum Ki-67 concentration was observed between the different types of cancer or between benign and malignant mammary tumours. Our investigations also included some inflammatory parameters measured in blood, such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, with mixed results. The results of our study suggest that Ki-67 may be useful as a potential serum tumour marker, providing information about the presence of malignant diseases in a dog.

Abstract

Tumour markers are scarcely used in veterinary medicine, although they are non-invasive, contribute to a faster diagnosis and new therapeutic options. The nuclear protein Ki-67 is absent in G₀-phase but is detectable throughout all active phases of the cell cycle. Consequently, it is used as a marker for the proliferating cell fraction of a cell population and thus could indicate neoplastic tissue present. Our study is designed to show whether Ki-67 can be considered as a potential canine serum tumour marker for veterinary medicine. We measured serum concentrations of Ki-67 in dogs with various malignant tumours (carcinomas (n = 35); sarcomas (n = 26); lymphomas (n = 21)) using a commercially available quantitative sandwich ELISA from mybiosource. Dogs with malignant tumours showed significantly higher serum Ki-67 concentrations compared to healthy dogs (n = 19) and non-neoplastic diseased dogs (n = 26). No significant difference in serum Ki-67 concentration was detected between carcinoma, sarcoma, and lymphoma, nor between mammary adenocarcinoma and adenoma. In our investigations we also included some inflammatory parameters measured in blood, such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, and gained mixed results. The results of our study suggest that Ki-67 may be useful as a potential serum tumour marker, providing information about the presence of malignancies in a dog.

Tumour microenvironment and focal therapy for prostate cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although most studies focus on the tumour component of prostate cancer (PCa), increasing attention is being paid to the prostatic tumour microenvironment (TME) and its role in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy development. Herein, we review the prognostic capability of tumour and nontumour derived biomarkers, the immunomodulatory effects of focal therapy (FT) on TME, and its potential as part of a multidisciplinary approach to PCa treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Tumour cells have always been the natural candidates to explore new biomarkers, but recent evidence highlights the prognostic contribution of TME cell markers. TME plays a critical role in PCa progression and tumours may escape from the immune system by establishing a microenvironment that suppresses effective antitumour immunity. It has been demonstrated that FT has an immunomodulatory effect and may elicit an immune response that can either favour or inhibit tumorigenesis. TME shows to be an additional target to enhance oncological control.

SUMMARY

A better understanding of TME has the potential to reliably elucidate PCa heterogeneity and assign a prognostic profile in accordance with prostate tumour foci. The joint contribution of biomarkers derived from both tumour and TME compartments may improve patient selection for FT by accurately stratifying disease aggressivity according to the characteristics of tumour foci. Preclinical studies have suggested that FT may act as a TME modulator, highlighting its promising role in multimodal therapeutic management.

A Coculture Model Mimicking the Tumor Microenvironment Unveils Mutual Interactions between Immune Cell Subtypes and the Human Seminoma Cell Line TCam-2

Testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) is the most common type of cancer in young men. Seminomas account for around half of them and are characterized by a pronounced infiltration of immune cells. So far, the impact of the tumor microenvironment (TME) on disease progression, especially the interaction of individual immune cell subtypes with the tumor cells, remains unclear. To address this question, we used an in vitro TME model involving the seminoma-derived cell line Tcam-2 and immune cell subsets purified from human peripheral blood. T cells and monocytes were strongly activated when individually cocultured with Tcam-2 cells as revealed by increased expression of activation markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines both on the mRNA and protein level. Importantly, the interaction between tumor and immune cells was mutual. Gene expression of pluripotency markers as well as markers of proliferation and cell cycle activity were upregulated in Tcam-2 cells in cocultures with T cells, whereas gene expression of SOX17, a marker for seminomas, was unaltered. Interestingly, the impact of monocytes on gene expression of Tcam-2 cells was less pronounced, indicating that the effects of individual immune cell subsets on tumor cells in the TME are highly specific. Collectively, our data indicate that seminoma cells induce immune cell activation and thereby generate a strong pro-inflammatory milieu, whereas T cells conversely increase the proliferation, metastatic potential, and stemness of tumor cells. Although the employed model does not fully mimic the physiological situation found in TGCC in vivo, it provides new insights potentially explaining the connection between inflammatory infiltrates in seminomas and their tendency to burn out and metastasize.

High Inter- and Intratumoral Variability of Ki67 Labeling Index in Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer with High Gleason Scores

BACKGROUND

The majority of studies investigating the role of Ki67 labeling index (LI) in prostate carcinoma (PC) focused on localized PC treated radically, where Ki67 LI is regarded as a prognostic marker. The relevance of Ki67 in advanced PC remains largely unexplored. While Gleason score is still one of the best indicators of clinical outcomes in PC, differences in progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with high Gleason scores suggest that additional factors are involved in tumor progression. Understanding the underlying mechanisms could help to optimize treatment strategies for an individual patient. Here, we aimed to determine the inter- and intratumoral distribution of Ki67 LI in patients with PC with high Gleason scores and to correlate Ki67 LI with the status of ERG, PTEN, and Bcl-2.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry for Ki67, ERG, PTEN, and Bcl-2 was performed on core needle biopsies from 112 patients with newly diagnosed PC Gleason score 8, 9, and 10.

RESULTS

Using a cutoff of ≥10%, 17/112 cases (15%) had a homogeneously low and 95/112 cases (85%) a high Ki67 LI. 41% of cases showed intratumoral heterogeneity containing areas with low and high proliferation. There was no association between Ki67 LI and ERG, PTEN, or Bcl-2 status.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate major inter- and intratumoral variability of Ki67 LI in high-grade PC with a surprisingly low Ki67 LI in a subset of cases. Further studies are necessary to explore the molecular basis and potential clinical implications of a paradoxically low proliferation rate in high-grade PC.

Fascin-1 is associated with recurrence in solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma

Fascin-1, an actin-bundling protein, is associated with poor prognosis in patients with various types of human carcinoma. However, research is limited on the role of fascin-1 in sarcoma. Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) and hemangiopericytoma (HPC) are rare sarcomas derived from the mesenchyme. Although the prognosis of SFT/HPC is generally favorable, fatalities are possible with repeated recurrence and distant metastasis. The current study included a total of 20 Japanese patients, who were diagnosed with SFT/HPC and underwent surgery at Kochi University Hospital from January 2000 to December 2019. The statistical relationship between recurrence and the following variables were examined: Sex, age of onset, tumor origin, tumor size, necrosis, mitosis ≥1/10 high power field (HPF; magnification, x400), Ki-67 >5% and Fascin-1. A significant association was determined between recurrence and necrosis, mitosis ≥1/10 HPF (magnification, x400), Ki-67 >5%, and Fascin-1 ≥‘strongly positive’ (P<0.05). The results demonstrated that Fascin-1 immunostaining may be a highly effective and useful evaluation factor for predicting poor prognosis in patients with SFT/HPC, a fatal sarcoma of humans.

Prognostic Value of Ki-67 Expression in Advanced Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients Treated with Chemotherapy

Background

The relationship between the Ki-67 expression level and chemotherapy response and survival prognosis in advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 101 patients were included in the study. All patients received systemic first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. The Ki-67 expression level was determined by immunohistochemistry analysis.

Results

The Ki-67 expression level was positively correlated with an increase in tumor T stage (P = 0.0140), N stage (P < 0.0001), and M stage (P < 0.0001) in advanced lung SCC. High Ki-67 expression could predict chemotherapy response (area under the curve = 0.7524, P < 0.0001). Patients with tumors that expressed high levels of Ki-67 had shorter overall survival (OS) (18.8 months vs 25.5 months, P = 0.0002) and progression-free survival (PFS) (4.8 months vs 6.7 months, P < 0.0001). Cox analysis found Ki-67 expression to be an independent prognostic biomarker of shortened OS (P = 0.009) and PFS (P = 0.008).

Conclusion

Ki-67 expression may affect chemotherapy response and thus has prognostic value. Ki-67 expression may be a promising prognostic biomarker for advanced lung SCC.

Preoperative histogram parameters of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI as a potential imaging biomarker for assessing the expression of Ki-67 in prostate cancer

Purpose

To investigate whether preoperative histogram parameters of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) can assess the expression of Ki‐67 in prostate cancer (PCa).

Materials and methods

A consecutive series of 76 patients with pathology‐proven PCa who underwent routine DCE‐MRI scans were retrospectively recruited. Quantitative parameters including the volume transfer constant (K^trans), rate contrast (K_ep), extracellular‐extravascular volume fraction (V_e), and plasma volume (V_p) by outlining the three‐dimensional volume of interest (VOI) of all lesions were processed. Then, the histogram analyses of these quantitative parameters were performed. The Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation of these parameters and Ki‐67 expression of PCa. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was adopted to evaluate the efficacy of these quantitative histogram parameters in identifying high Ki‐67 expression from low Ki‐67 expression of PCa.

Results

Eighty‐eight PCa lesions were enrolled in this study, including 31 lesions with high Ki‐67 expression and 57 lesions with low Ki‐67 expression. The median, mean, 75th percentile, and 90th percentile derived from K^trans and K_ep had a moderately positive correlation with Ki‐67 expression (r = 0.361–0.450, p < 0.05), in which both the median and mean of K^trans had the highest positive correlation (r = 0.450, p < 0.05). The diagnostic efficacy of the K^trans median, mean, 75th percentile, and 90th percentile, along with the K_ep‐based median and mean was assessed by the ROC curve. The area under the curve (AUC) of the mean for K^trans was the highest (0.826). When the cut‐off of the mean for K^trans was ≥0.47/min, its Youden index, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.625, 0.871, and 0.754, respectively. The AUC of the median of K_ep was the lowest (0.772).

Conclusion

The histogram of DCE‐MRI quantitative parameters is correlated with Ki‐67 expression, which has the potential to noninvasively assess the expression of Ki‐67 with patients of PCa.

Grading Evolution and Contemporary Prognostic Biomarkers of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer

Simple Summary

Prostate cancer treatment decisions are based on clinical stage and histological diagnosis, including Gleason grading assessed by a pathologist, in biopsies. Prior to staging and grading, serum or blood prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels are measured and often trigger diagnostic examinations. However, PSA is best suited as a marker of cancer relapse after initial treatment. In this review, we first narratively describe the evolution of histological grading, the current status of Gleason pattern-based diagnostics and glance into future methodology of risk assessment by histological examination. In the second part, we systematically review the biomarkers that have been shown, independent from clinical characteristics, to correlate with clinically relevant end-points, i.e., occurrence of metastases, disease-specific mortality and overall survival after initial treatment of localized prostate cancer.

Abstract

Gleason grading remains the strongest prognostic parameter in localized prostate adenocarcinoma. We have here outlined the evolution and contemporary practices in pathological evaluation of prostate tissue samples for Gleason score and Grade group. The state of more observer-independent grading methods with the aid of artificial intelligence is also reviewed. Additionally, we conducted a systematic review of biomarkers that hold promise in adding independent prognostic or predictive value on top of clinical parameters, Grade group and PSA. We especially focused on hard end points during the follow-up, i.e., occurrence of metastasis, disease-specific mortality and overall mortality. In peripheral blood, biopsy-detected prostate cancer or in surgical specimens, we can conclude that there are more than sixty biomarkers that have been shown to have independent prognostic significance when adjusted to conventional risk assessment or grouping. Our search brought up some known putative markers and panels, as expected. Also, the synthesis in the systematic review indicated markers that ought to be further studied as part of prospective trials and in well characterized patient cohorts in order to increase the resolution of the current clinico-pathological prognostic factors.

[Molecular pathology of urogenital tumors : Recommendations from the 2019 International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) Consensus Conference]

Das zunehmende Verständnis molekularer Grundlagen von Tumoren sowie der Fortschritt in der Diversifizierung der onkologischen Therapien versprechen individualisierte Therapieoptionen, welche bislang jedoch nur ansatzweise in die Therapieplanung von urologischen Tumoren eingegangen sind. Daher hat die Internationale Gesellschaft für Urologische Pathologie (ISUP) im März 2019 eine Konsenskonferenz zur Erarbeitung evidenzbasierter Handlungsempfehlungen zur molekularpathologischen Diagnostik beim Urothelkarzinom, Nierenzellkarzinom, Prostatakarzinom, Peniskarzinom und testikulären Keimzelltumoren durchgeführt. Die auf dieser Konsenskonferenz erarbeiteten Empfehlungen sind kürzlich in 5 separaten Manuskripten veröffentlich worden und werden in der vorliegenden Arbeit zusammengefasst.

Im Rahmen der Konferenzvorbereitung wurde eine umfassende Umfrage zur derzeitigen Praxis molekularer Testungen bei urogenitalen Tumoren unter den Mitgliedern der ISUP durchgeführt. Auf der Konferenz wurden die Ergebnisse und die entsprechenden Hintergrundinformationen durch 5 Arbeitsgruppen präsentiert und Handlungsempfehlungen für die Diagnostik erarbeitet. Eine Übereinstimmung von 66 % der Konferenzteilnehmer wurde als Konsens definiert.

Similarities and Differences in the 2019 ISUP and GUPS Recommendations on Prostate Cancer Grading: A Guide for Practicing Pathologists

Contemporary subspecialization of practice in prostate pathology has seen a transition to complex, nuanced reporting, where a growing number of histopathologic parameters may signal differences in patient management. In this context, the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) and the Genitourinary Pathology Society (GUPS) both published proceedings papers on the grading of prostate cancer in 2019. Overall, the 2 prostate cancer grading manuscripts reached many of the same conclusions and recommendations. Yet, each consensus was conducted somewhat differently, and in a couple of key areas, each reached different conclusions and recommendations. Herein, sourced from the experience and viewpoints of members of both societies, we provide the practicing pathologist a summary of the shared recommendations, and of the discordances. It is anticipated that these 2 documents will inform future iterations of recommendations and guidelines for reporting prostate cancer by organizations such as the College of American Pathologists, the Royal College of Pathologists, and the European Society of Pathology, which will promote best practices for their respective constituents. Our goal is to provide the practicing pathologist a useful catalog of the main points of both, allowing each practitioner to make informed decisions and understand any divergent opinions as may arise between observers for individual cases.

Report From the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) Consultation Conference on Molecular Pathology of Urogenital Cancers. I. Molecular Biomarkers in Prostate Cancer

The combined clinical and molecular heterogeneity of prostate cancer necessitates the use of prognostic, predictive, and diagnostic biomarkers to assist the clinician with treatment selection. The pathologist plays a critical role in guiding molecular biomarker testing in prostate cancer and requires a thorough knowledge of the current testing options. In the setting of clinically localized prostate cancer, prognostic biomarkers such as Ki-67 labeling, PTEN loss or mRNA-based genomic signatures can be useful to help determine whether definitive therapy is required. In the setting of advanced disease, predictive biomarkers, such as the presence of DNA repair deficiency mediated by BRCA2 loss or mismatch repair gene defects, may suggest the utility of poly-ADP ribosylase inhibition or immune checkpoint blockade. Finally, androgen receptor-related biomarkers or diagnostic biomarkers indicating the presence of small cell neuroendocrine prostate cancer may help guide the use of androgen receptor signaling inhibitors and chemotherapy. In this review, we examine the current evidence for several prognostic, predictive and diagnostic tissue-based molecular biomarkers in prostate cancer management. For each assay, we summarize a recent survey of the International Society of Urology Pathology (ISUP) members on current testing practices and include recommendations for testing that emerged from the ISUP Working Group on Molecular Pathology of Prostate Cancer and the 2019 Consultation Conference on Molecular Pathology of Urogenital Cancers.

Lung and Abdominal Biopsies in the Age of Precision Medicine

Image-guided percutaneous needle biopsies (PNBs) are one of the most common procedures performed in radiology departments today. Rapid developments in precision medicine, which identifies molecular and genomic biomarkers in cancers, have ushered a new paradigm of oncologic workup and treatment. PNB has conventionally been used to establish a benign or malignant nature of a lesion during initial diagnosis or in suspected metastatic or recurrent disease. However, increasing amounts of tissue are being required to meet the demands of molecular pathologic analysis, which are now being sought at multiple time points during the course of the disease to guide targeted therapy. As primary providers of biopsy, radiologists must be proactive in these developments to improve diagnostic yield and tissue acquisition in PNB. Herein, we discuss the important and expanding role of PNB in the age of precision medicine and review the technical considerations of percutaneous lung and intra-abdominal biopsy. Finally, we examine promising state-of-the-art techniques in PNB that may safely increase tissue acquisition for optimal molecular pathologic analysis.