Ki67 And Nm23 Are Potential Prognostic Markers In Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the expression and clinical associations of Ki67 and nm23 in chronic nasopharyngitis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: Expressions of Ki67 and nm23 were examined by immunohistochemical assay (SP method) in tissues among 23 patients with nasopharyngitis and 59 patients with NPC. Associations of Ki67 and nm23 expression with clinical parameters such as clinical stage, cervical lymph node metastasis status, and distant metastasis status and 5-year survival rate were statistically analyzed. Results: 1) Comparing to chronic nasopharyngitis, the incidence rate of positive Ki67 in NPC was significantly higher, whereas nm23 was lower (P < 0.01). 2) The positive incident rate of Ki67 in NPC was positively correlated with clinical stage and distant metastasis status. Patients with positive expression of Ki67 had lower 5-year survival rate. 3) The incidence rate of positive nm23 in NPC was negatively correlated with clinical stage, cervical lymph node metastasis status, distant metastasis status, but not with age and T-stage. Patients with positive expression of nm23 had higher 5-year survival rate. 4) The positive incidence rate of Ki67 and nm23 were negatively correlated. We found patients with negative Ki67 and positive nm23 had longer survival time. Conclusions: The expressions of Ki67 and nm23 were associated with disease progression, invasiveness and metastatic status of NPC. Together, the data suggest Ki67 and nm23 could provide helpful information in understanding clinical characteristics of NPC tumors, and are potential prognostic markers for NPC patients.