Expression of e-cadherin and Ki-67 in cervical cancer: a study in a tertiary care hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background: Cervical cancer, ranking as the second most prevalent cancer and a leading cause of female cancer-related deaths in low to middle-income nations, exhibits a notable connection between tumor proliferation (Ki-67) and invasiveness (e-cadherin). Both factors contribute significantly to cervical cancer's aggressiveness. This study aims to establish the clinical-pathological link between e-cadherin and Ki-67 expression in cervical carcinoma, and assess their potential as diagnostic biomarkers. Methods: This cross-sectional study spanned July 2017 to June 2019 at Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital Dhaka. It encompassed 60 adult female patients histopathologically diagnosed with cervical cancer. All patients underwent e-cadherin, Ki-67 expression assessments, and histopathological diagnosis. Ethical clearance was granted by SSMC Institutional Ethics Committee. Results: E-cadherin expression presented as follows: strong intensity in 36.7% cases, weak and homogeneous in 35.0%, weak and heterogeneous in 8.3%, negative staining in 15.1%, and negative expression in 5.0%. Ki-67 mean levels varied significantly among different types of cervical cancer (p<0.05). Squamous cell carcinoma was predominant (80.0%), with heightened e-cadherin expression in well-differentiated cases (14 cases). Notably, cases with no e-cadherin expression exhibited Ki-67 mean of 71.0±7.9, while those with strong E-cadherin expression displayed Ki-67 mean of 56.5±8.2 (p<0.05). A significant negative correlation (r=-0.300; p=0.022) emerged between Ki-67 LI (%) and e-cadherin expression. Conclusions: E-cadherin correlates effectively with clinicopathological features and Ki-67 expression in cervical carcinoma. This underscores its pivotal role in cervical cancer progression.