Tumor ki67 Impact on Survival in Male Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: Histological features with prognostic utility for survival in male breast cancer remain elusive. Tumor ki67 expression may provide an early prognostic marker in this disease. This systematic review investigated ki67 prognostication for overall survival in male breast cancer patients.

METHODS

Following prospective registration MEDLINE, PUBMED Central and EMBASE databases were searched to identify suitable studies. Studies were considered for meta-analysis when both comparable research methodologies were utilized and survival outcomes were reported for the same threshold value for ki67.

RESULTS

A total of fifteen observational type studies were included in the review with 9 meeting inclusion criteria for data extraction. Six studies contributed to a meta-analysis. Two studies demonstrated a statistically-significant difference in survival outcome at a ki67 threshold of 20%, however meta-analysis for ki67 set at 2 thresholds (14% and 20%) did not demonstrate any significant association with overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

This review did not confirm an association between ki67 and overall survival in male breast cancer patients. Further research including the use of artificial intelligence methods and consideration of a higher threshold value are needed to better define Tumor ki67 in this patient group.