Thymidine labeling index in epithelial ovarian cancer

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the thymidine labeling index and its prognostic role in patients with ovarian cancer. Methods: Tumor cell proliferation in 32 patients with primary ovarian cancer admitted to Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, between 1993 and 1997 was investigated using the [ 3H]thymidine labeling index (TLI). TLI results were compared with other clinical and histopathologic prognostic parameters. Results: The mean and median TLI values of the patients were 9.3±6.2% and 9.20% (range: 0.4–23.0%), respectively. Sixteen patients showed high proliferation rates (mean TLI: 14.3%). These patients had an overall survival rate of 46.7% at 3 years. The mean TLI level and overall survival at 3 years in the low proliferation rate group were 4.4 and 68.8%, respectively. Patients with a high TLI had a significantly shorter survival compared to those with a low TLI ( P<0.01). There was tendency towards a higher TLI with advanced stage ( P>0.05). However, there was no statistically significant correlation between TLI and other prognostic parameters. Conclusion: TLI may have a predictive value in determining the outcome of patients with ovarian cancer. Further larger scale studies are needed before definite conclusions can be made about its role as a prognostic factor in this disease.