Immunohistochemical quantification of in vitro bromodeoxyuridine labeling index in 236 breast carcinomas by image analysis

We studied with computerized image analysis 236 breast cancer samplings aft er in vitro bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and immunohistochemical revelat ion. Labeling index values were compared with the usual prognostic factors and with the other studies in the literature. We established a positive correlation between labeling index and tumor size , histoprognostic grading, phase S and DNA inner. A high labeling index was correlated with the absence of hormonal receptors but not correlated with the other prognostic factors. These results on tumor kinetics are similar to those obtained by flow cytom etry and from other studies in the literature. However, this technic using optical microscopy allows for reliable selection of tumoral cells. Furtherm ore, the semi-automated image analysis provides an objective and reproducib le evaluation of the labeling index.