High Ki67 proliferation index but not cell-of-origin subtypes is associated with shorter overall survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Background: CD10, BCL6, and MUM1 are commonly used immunohistochemical stains for classifying diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), which is useful in predicting outcome. Conflicting reports of the prognostic value of other markers such as BCL2, CD23, and Ki67 proliferation index have been reported. Our objective was to correlate these immunostains and Hans classification with response to therapy and overall survival. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of patients diagnosed with DLBCL from 2008–2014 at a tertiary-care cancer hospital. The slides with the IHC stains were reviewed by two independent pathologists. The clinical outcomes––assessed independently––were response to therapy and overall survival. The treatment response evaluation was based on the new Lugano classification. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Fisher’s exact test and Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Significance was set at P 80% was statistically significantly associated with shorter overall survival and not statistically significant associated with no response to therapy. Hans classification subtypes were not predictive in regard to therapy response. Conclusion: High Ki67 expression (>80%) was associated with shorter overall survival in DLBCL. Hans classification subtypes were not predictive