What Researchers Did
Researchers compared two methods for measuring cell growth in 216 human brain tumors using a marker called bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), with 110 cases tested during surgery and 106 cases tested in lab dishes.
What They Found
The study determined the BrdU labeling index in 216 brain tumors, using in vivo infusion for 110 cases and in vitro incubation for 106 cases. While the in vivo and in vitro techniques might provide similar data for some tumor types, the study did not find clear statistical proof that these methods are equivalent.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients with brain tumors, this study suggests that different methods used to measure tumor cell growth might not always be interchangeable. This finding is important for doctors when assessing tumor aggressiveness and planning treatment, as it highlights the need for careful consideration of diagnostic techniques.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
The study could not provide clear statistical proof that the in vivo and in vitro techniques for measuring cell growth in brain tumors are equivalent.