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

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Research background

Prostate cancer (PCa) represents a serious health threat to elderly men as a malignant tumor. Presently, methodologies available for the diagnosis and treatment of PCa are, regrettably, still lacking. Given that marker Ki-67 (MKI67) has been linked with the proliferation and metastasis of PCa cells, it holds substantial clinical meaning to apply both bioinformatics and clinical data to further corroborate the association between MKI67 and the diagnostic and prognostic aspects of PCa.

Research motivation

By establishing the link between MKI67 and PCa, we pave the way for innovative molecular targets and therapeutic approaches for the future diagnosis and treatment of PCa.

Research objectives

To investigate the efficacy of antigen identified by MKI67 expression in the diagnosis and prognosis of PCa.

Research methods

This study undertook a retrospective analysis utilizing both bioinformatics and clinical data. The association between MKI67 expression and various clinicopathological features was assessed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The diagnostic efficacy of MKI67 expression was conveyed via the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to elucidate the progression-free interval (PFI) survival rates in PCa patients. Meanwhile, the time-ROC curve was utilized to predict the 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates of the PFI in PCa. Both univariate and multivariate Cox regressions were performed to evaluate the relationship between genetic and clinicopathological characteristics. Lastly, a nomogram was constructed using the rms package.

Research results

In the bioinformatics data, MKI67 expression demonstrated a significant correlation with prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Gleason Score, T stage, and N stage. The ROC curve pointed to a robust diagnostic capacity, while the Kaplan-Meier method indicated that MKI67 expression had a negative correlation with PFI. Moreover, the time-ROC curve exhibited a modest prognostic capability of MKI67 in PCa. In the clinical data, MKI67 expression was significantly tied to the Gleason score, T stage, and N stage, and it was negatively linked to PFI. The time-ROC curve displayed a more substantial prognosis for MKI67 in PCa. A multivariate COX regression analysis was conducted to pinpoint risk factors, which included PSA, N stage, and MKI67 expression. A nomogram was subsequently developed to project 3-year PFI.

Research conclusions

Through comparative analysis of bioinformatics databases and clinical data, MKI67 expression positively correlated with Gleason score and T and N stages, aiding in pinpointing patient’s clinical stages for better treatment planning. MKI67 serves as an efficient diagnostic and prognostic tool for PCa, and a nomogram was constructed for predicting 3-year PFI, enhancing its clinical utility.

Research perspectives

In light of the limitations of this study, future prospective validation is necessitated to confirm the clinical relevance of MKI67 in relation to PCa.