PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF CELL-KINETICS IN HEAD AND NECK SQUAMOUS CARCINOMA - THE RELATIONSHIP TO TUMOR FACTORS AND SURVIVAL

Tumour growth rates were measured in 105 patients using in vivo incorp oration of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and investigated for any relations hip to tumour factors or survival. The median labelling index (LI) was 8.7%, the duration of S-phase (T(S)) was 14 h and the potential doubl ing time (T(pot)) was 5.9 days. The labelling index in aneuploid tumou rs was significantly higher than that in diploid tumours. However the total labelling index (TLI) did not differ significantly between aneup loid and diploid tumours, and so it would seem likely that the differe nce in LI is due to the dilutional effect of benign tissue upon the ca lculation of LI in diploid tumours. The total labelling index, duratio n of S-phase and potential doubling time were not related to the tumou r factors examined (site, T stage, N stage, stage grouping). Interim s urvival analysis was carried out and there was no difference in surviv al between those patients with high values for TLI, T(S), and T(pot) a nd those with low values.