Cell cycle parameters and prognosis of colorectal cancer

In vitro determination of S phase duration and labeling index were performed, in tumor and normal tissues, in 15 patients with rectal and colon cancer to determine if these cell cycle parameters can predict the clinical course of the disease. Microscopic analyses of the tumor and adequate follow-up were obtained for all patients. S phase duration and labeling index did not exhibit any obvious correlations with age, sex, tumor localization, Duke's classification or other microscopic prognostic features; neither did they show any difference between patients alive without cancer 5 yr after initial treatment and those dead from cancer or other causes.