Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumors: Predictive Factors of Recurrence by Ki-67 and AgNOR Labelling
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible role of Ki-67 and
argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions (AgNOR) between the recurrent and nonrecurrent
keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOTs). Another aim was to compare the correlation
between these two markers.
Materials and Methods: 22 KCOTs were evaluated retrospectively. The actual proliferative
activity of the KCOT was measured by Ki-67 labelling index and argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions AgNOR count per nucleus. Results: Recurrence occurred in 3 patients
(13.6%) during the follow-up period (mean follow-up, 37.8 months) The Ki-67 and AgNOR
counts were significantly higher in the recurrent lesions comparing to the non-recurrent lesions. (p=0,045; p=0,049) The correlation between Ki-67 and AgNOR counts was found to be
positive (r=0,853 p=0,0001).
Conclusion: Within the limit of the present study, it is thought that Ki-67 and AgNOR might
be helpful as a prognostic marker for the recurrences of KCOTs. These markers reinforced
the meaning of the new classification of the lesion as an odontogenic tumor. Enucleation with
curettage or decompression following enucleation with curettage is a simple and appropriate
surgical model for the treatment of KCOT despite the relative high recurrence rate. On the
other hand, the conservative treatment can be chosen only if there is no coronoid invasion, no
interruptive cortical lysis and no tissular invasion.