[Prognostic significance of Ki 67 and PCNA expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (morphometric evaluation of labelling index-L1].

There are no certain histological or morphological criteria which would improve the precision of life expectancy and the selection of the most efficient methods of treatment in patients with squamous cell laryngeal carcinoma. The analysis of proliferation activity using immunohistochemical markers such as antigens Ki 67 and PCNA may be helpful to evaluate the aggressiveness of neoplastic cells. The study was conducted in 55 patients (aged 36-86 years, mean 62 years), 52 men and 3 women. Immunohistochemical staining of antigens Ki 67 and PCNA using avidin-biotin method was performed in all cases. Microscopic images were stored, then nuclei of neoplastic cells expressing immunohistochemical reaction were localized using level segmentation method. Next labelling index was calculated. The correlation was observed between the LI for Ki 67 and tumor size (p < 0.00001), stage (p < 0.001), metastases to lymph nodes (p, 0.00001) and site (p < 0.005). A weak correlation was observed between the LI for Ki 67 and presence of distant metastases (p < 0.06). The LI of neoplastic cells for PCNA was correlated with the tumor size (p < 0.00001), stage (p < 0.0001), metastases to lymph nodes (0.0001), site (p < 0.005) and presence of distant metastases (p < 0.03). On the ground of the obtained results both markers can be suggested for the morphological and biological evaluation of the neoplastic cells in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.