Ki-67 labeling: A more sensitive indicator of malignant phenotype than mitotic count or tumor size?

Background and Objectives The Ki‐67 index has been incorporated into The World Health Organization's classification system of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. However, pathologists continue to question the utility of Ki‐67 index over that of mitotic count as an indicator of proliferative activity. The intent of the current study is to compare K‐i67 index with tumor size and mitotic rate for the association of each with lymph node metastasis and survival. Methods The current study is a review of 24 patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Results Regional LNM were present in 100% of tumors with Ki‐67 index >10%, while only 25% of tumors with 10% as an indicator of aggressive disease may contribute to such improvements. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:724–727. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.