Prognostic importance of transferrin receptor expression and correlation with K1-67 labelling indices in intracranial meningiomas

Abstract

Meningiomas are variously benign, atypical or anaplastic neoplasms and can be treated by surgical removal. However, recurrence can be seen even after complete surgical resection in benign meningiomas and some are histologically aggressive. As predictors of recurrence or malignant proliferation some immunohistochemical markers have been used. In this study, we postoperatively identified TfR (transferrin receptor) staining and Ki-67 proliferative index in patients with intracranial meningiomas and evaluated the correlation between these parameters and the recurrence or malignant proliferation. Immunohistochemical techniques (streptavidin-biotin complex) were used to assess the TfR expression and Ki-67 labelling index in 50 surgically removed intracranial meningiomas. Significantly high TfR expression was observed in all types of meningiomas, eight of which recurred. Four cases died because of primary intracranial pathology and one died from uncontrollable epileptic seizures. Ki-67 levels were high in the cases which showed recurrence and showed atypical features. Based on our observations and the results presented above, meningioma patients with TfR score of 3 or higher and high Ki-67 labelling index must be carefully followed up for recurrence, as well as for malignant transformation. Thus, we suggest that TfR and Ki-67 immunostains should be applied routinely in patients with meningiomas.

• Ki-67
• meningioma
• transferrin receptor (TfR)