Hi Cal gal,
All good questions...and you are so smart to question, knowledge is power.
KI 67 is another tumor market test which shows the aggressiveness of the tumor. The level of the score is a predictor or demonstates the risk of recurrence. This test shows how fast the cells are growing. Newer research correlated Ki67 levels along with tumour size and nodal status to make treatment choices and decisions. I can hear your next question...what are the scores...0% to 15% are classified as low. 16% to 25% are classified as medium, 26% to 100% as high.
When I was first dx. Dr. Slamon used my Ki67 levels as a means to determine chemo/herceptin. When he reviewed my pathology report and saw 40% he said that was enough to detertermine treatment in his mind
(back in 05 early stage bc) early stage (1) bc was not treated with chemo/herceptin.
Ki67 levels are a strong way to help make treatment decisions with early stage bc.
Tumors and cancer cells grow with a blood supply,
so bc tissue has a blood supply like normal tissues in our body. If cancer cells under examination appear to have invaded into the blood vessels or lymphatic channels of the tumor, there is the possiblity the cancer cells have spread to nodes or other areas in the body increases.
Your test showed negative for any invaded blood vessels. This is favorable.
Foci means the the locialized area or main site of the tumor.
Hope this helps, many good wishes being sent to you.
Hugs,
Jean
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Stage 1, Grade 1, 3/30/05
Lumpectomy 4/15/05 - 6MM IDC
Node Neg. (Sentinel node)
ER+ 90% / PR-, Her2+++ by FISH
Ki-67 40%
Arimidex 5/05
Radiation 32 trt, 5/30/05
Oncotype DX test 4/17/06, 31% high risk
TOPO 11 neg. 4/06
Stopped Arimidex 5/06
TCH 5/06, 6 treatments
Herceptin 5/06 - for 1 yr.
9/06 Completed chemo
Started Femara Sept. 2006
Last edited by Jean; 06-25-2009 at 08:06 PM..
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