Changes of the bromodeoxyuridine labeling index of astrocytic tumors between primary and recurrent lesions.

Changes of bromodeoxyuridine labeling index at recurrence were examined in 6 glioblastomas, 2 anaplastic astrocytomas, and 3 fibrillary astrocytomas. Decreased labeling index occurred in 5 glioblastomas, probably due to the effects of combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but was not correlated with a favorable outcome. No change of labeling index occurred in 1 anaplastic astrocytoma. Increased labeling index was seen in 1 glioblastoma, 1 anaplastic astrocytoma, and 3 fibrillary astrocytomas, possibly indicating rapid progression just before surgery for recurrent tumor. Recurrent astrocytomas had become anaplastic astrocytoma or glioblastoma, but demonstrated no specific histopathology or labeling index of the primary lesion.