Expression of Ki67 and p53 as proliferation and apoptosis markers in adenoid cystic carcinoma

Background: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) constitutes about 4% of salivary epithelial tumors and is the second common malignant epithelial salivary gland tumor involving both the major and minor salivary glands. Aims of the study is to evaluate immunohistochemical expression of Ki67 and p53 proteins in ACC. Materials and Methods: immunohistochemical analyses of fifteen cases of formalin – fixed paraffin – embedded tissues blocks of ACC of salivary glands using ki67 and p53 antibodies. Results: ki67 was expressed in 6 of 15 ACC (40%) while p53 aberration was demonstrated in 11 of tumor (73.3%). There was a statistically significant difference between the expression of ki67 and p53 proteins in ACC cases (p value = 0.041). Pearson’s correlation test demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the numbers of percentage of ki67 and p53 positive cells in ACC cases (r = 0.042). Conclusions: This study suggests that ki67 positive actively proliferating cells and p53 aberrations may play a role in ACC development and progression.