EFFECT OF SURGICAL REMOVAL ON THE GROWTH AND KINETICS OF RESIDUAL TUMOR

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 39  (10) , 3861-3865
Abstract
Findings from this study using a transplantable C3H mammary tumor failed to indicate interaction relative to growth parameters between 2 foci present in the same host. Whether they were growing alone or in the presence of a 2nd focus, tumor growth rates were similar until the combined mass of multiple tumors approached that which was incompatible with survival. A difference in growth was subsequently observed. Cytokinetic parameters, i.e., labeling index, primer-dependent DNA polymerase index or growth fraction, DNA synthesis time, tumor doubling time and cell cycle time, were also similar whether tumors grew alone or in the presence of a 2nd focus. Following removal of a tumor, changes were observed within 24 h in the kinetics of the residual focus. There was an increase in labeling index (duration .simeq. 10 days) and primer-dependent DNA polymerase index with a decrease in the tumor doubling time. Minimal change was noted in DNA synthesis time and cell cycle time. The kinetic changes observed were reflected in a measurable increase in tumor size about 1 wk following tumor removal. Absence of an alteration in DNA synthesis time and cell cycle time indicates that the increase in tumor growth was probably due to a conversion of noncycling cells in G0 phase into proliferation. Relationship of the findings to the use of adjuvant chemotherapy is considered.