Prognostic Value of Ki-67 for Recurrence and Progression of Superficial Bladder Cancer

PURPOSE: We retrospectively reviewed 104 cases of superficial bladder cancer to ascertain whether the Ki-67 labeling index predicts recurrence and progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Archival specimens from superficial bladder cancer cases were immunostained with Ki-67. RESULTS: The recurrence rate was significantly higher in cases with a Ki-67 labeling index of 5.35 or greater than in those with a value less than 5.35 (p < 0.001). The recurrence rate at 2 years was 70% in cases with a Ki-67 labeling index of 5.35 or greater and 22% in those with an index less than 5.35 (p < 0.001). Using multivariate analysis the index predicted recurrence of bladder cancer (p < 0.005). Median Ki-67 labeling index in cases with progression was significantly higher than in those without progression (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The Ki-67 labeling index is an independent predictive factor for recurrence of superficial bladder cancer.