In vivo measurement of breast cancer growth rate.
S-phase cells of 66 primary breast cancers were labeled in vivo by preoperative infusion of the thymidine analogue bromodeoxyuridine. A monoclonal antibody specific for DNA-incorporated bromodeoxyuridine was used to identify positive cells and compute a labeling index on histologic sections. The labeling index (the percentage of cells in S-phase) ranged from 0.1% to 23.9%; it correlated positively with poorly differentiated cancer, higher mitotic counts on routine histologic examination, and tumor size; and it correlated inversely with estrogen and progesterone receptors. The labeling index did not correlate with nodal involvement or ploidy. Of the 15 patients with a labeling index greater than 12%, three died and one had systemic disease after a median follow-up of 19 months. No other patients had recurrences. There were no clinical complications of bromodeoxyuridine infusion.
Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco.
W H
WH
Goodson
B M
BM
Ljung
F
F
Waldman
B
B
Mayall
K
K
Chew
D H
DH
Moore
H
H
Smith
E S
ES
Goldman
C
C
Benz
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D001973:Bromodeoxyuridine; D002452:Cell Count; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007399:Interphase; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000032:analysis
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone; D001973:Bromodeoxyuridine