Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 and proliferative marker ki67 in colonic carcinoma.

<bold>Objective: </bold>Tumor grade employed for colorectal cancer has long been based on the degree of differentiation, which is difficult to judge objectively. The aim of this study was to assess the immunohistochemical expression of p21 and ki67 and their correlation with the histological grading of colorectal carcinoma.<bold>Materials and Methods: </bold>A total of 45 biopsy specimens of colorectal cancer were pathologically reviewed and correlation of grade and differentiation of tumor was performed with immunostaining.<bold>Results: </bold>Ki 67 and p21 markers showed inverse relationship. An inverse relationship of p21 was found with tumor grade, differentiation, Dukes staging and lymph node status, whereas no correlation could be found between these parameters and ki67 expression.<bold>Conclusion: </bold>We found that p21 can be used to assess the grading and metastatic potential of colorectal carcinoma whereas increased Ki67 expression can help us in the diagnosis of malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]