Ki-67 scores and AgNor counts in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: apparent lack of prognostic value.

The cellular proliferative state of 18 incident cases of transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder treated with transurethral resection was blindly determined by two independent observers using Ki-67 monoclonal antibody and silver stain for nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs). Ki-67 scores were significantly related to histological grade (WHO) (rs = 0.65, p < 0.01) and clinical stage (UICC) (rs = 0.46, p < 0.05). However, the follow-up analysis over a six year period did not demonstrate significant relationship between Ki-67 values and survival. AgNOR counting did not show significant association with any of the variables under study. The results of this investigation and the review of the pertinent literature suggest that the assessment of cell proliferation of bladder carcinoma by means of Ki-67 and AgNOR techniques is far from having immediate direct influence on patient management.