Can I join? A question about Ki67

Regawhatever

Can I join? A question about Ki67

Regawhatever

I've been reading these boards for a few weeks now and wanted to join, but I didn't know enough to even ask an intelligent question. You guys seem so knowledgeable and kind that I hope you don't mind my joining this "club."

Anyway, I found out some answers today. After a lumpectomy Friday, I was told the tumor was estrogen and progesterone positive and HER2 negative, but the surgeon's nurse said that on the pathology report, the Ki67 was listed as unfavorable. I haven't seen anything like this in any of the information I was given and the internet searches about it are vague, too. Any thoughts? The nurse seemed to think it was an overall favorable report, but even he didn't know what the Ki67 thing meant.

Thank you so much for any help and any advice you have (about anything) would be appreciated. I'm kind of flying blind here.

 -Tricia 

reen

Tricia, I'm glad you posted and joined in.  It took me awhile to start posting.  Sorry I can't answer your question.  I've never heard that, but I'm sure there will be someone that can.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.  Everyone is really great here.  Welcome!

Tamara1201

Tricia, My tumor showed high levels of the Ki-67 too, and I'm not completely sure of the significance. I've read it is an antigen that is found in growing tumors, as opposed to when they are in the resting stage, and that it indicates and aggressive tumor and poor prognosis. It also says something about needing tamoxifan, but my I'm ER/PR negative, so I'm confused. It's on my list of things to ask my oncologist this week, if only I can remember to look at my list, which is a huge IF.  I'll let you know what he says when I talk to him

Tamara

fightinhrd123

Mine was high at 60 percent, and I had chemo first, not one cancer cell left when i was done.  Chemo kills faster dividing cells, so i wouldnt worry too much about it

Laura

reen

I've been looking over my path report to find this.  Where would you look because I can't find it?

MarieKelly

Reen-

It should be on your path report - assuming it was actually done. Instead of Ki-67, it might say somthing like MIB-1 or "MIB-1 staining"

ccbaby

My Ki-67 is 75%, which is unfavorable. I was confused at one time too about and started searching on the internet. 

This is the best website that I found with a good explanation for it.

http://breastcancer.about.com/od/tumormarkers/f/ki67.htm

Reen... On my pathology report, it was right with the er/pr, and her2 status.

dlb823

Regawhatever ~  Welcome!  I'm so sorry you have reason to be here, but you've found a great place for information and support, and I'm glad you posted.  In addition to the Discussion Boards area we're in, this site has great information from experts.  At top, if you click on Symptoms & Diagnosis, it will take you to the other section where you can search Ki67 for a complete explanation.  (Be careful not to use the search box on this page we're on now, as it will only search within the discussion threads, which could also be helpful, but harder to dig out the info you're after.)     Deanna 

JanMarch

Mine was 30%, also unfavorable (I think anything over 10% is considered unfavorable.)  I asked my onc about it and he wasn't worried about it given the overall favorable status of my pathology.  Ki-67 is one of the proliferation genes included in the Oncotype Dx score.  My oncotype score came back low, so I guess the unfavorable status of my ki-67 wasn't that significant in the overall picture.

anitach

It took me about a year to find out what all my pathology meant and especially when I found out about my ki67 I really freaked out. Mine was 80% - obviously extremely unfavorable. However, I'm not putting a lot of stock in that number because my tumor markers were in the normal range even at time of dx and my tumor grade level was still a 2.

Wishing you the best - and believe me I completely understand the intimidation of the knowledge possessed by the women on this board. I've learned more from this site than any Dr. could ever tell me!

Anita

coonie

Hi Tricia

I remember asking this exact same question, and tried to find it, but I couldn't. But some of these very knowledgeable women answered my question about the Ki67. Mine was 59%, but that's all I can remember about it. Hopefully, one of the ladies will come along that answered for me. I may be wrong, but maybe it was Beesie, or Leaf.....oh, I don't know for sure. Big hugs for you!!

JanMarch

Someone posted a very interesting study about Ki-67 in the Clinical Trials section of the boards. The study found Ki-67 to be a significant biomarker in determining Luminal B breast cancer subtype.

jotti

Hi,

this is my first post. My mom was diognosed with IDC in early May 09. She had a lumpectomy an a SNB with no node involvement and clear margins. She was staged a T1c (tumor was 1.4 cm), grade 2, ER+, PR-, HER2-. Firts her onc told her that radiation and hormonal therapy would be the recommended treatment. But then told her because of a Ki67 of 40% chemotherapy would be necessary. I don't knwo if the onc did an oncotype test too. My mom doesn't know what to do now. Go for a second opinion? Insist on an oncotype test? Go for the chemo as the dr. told her? She is 59 years old. Maybe you have some thoughts/advice I could give her? Thanks!

London-Virginia

Hello Jotti - sorry there has been a delay in answering your post.

Tell you what, I think you might be better of re-posting in one of the chemo parts of the site - I think you may have got missed.  Good luck to your mum.  Lots ofpeople get a second opinion so if that would help her do think about doing it.

with very best wishes -   

jotti

Hi London-Virginia,

 found the right place to post my question. Thanks!