Tumor cell kinetics using two labels and flow cytometry

A flow cytometry based, single sampling method employing sequential bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) and iododeoxyuridine (IdUrd) labeling with an intervening interval is examined. BrdUrd-specific and nonspecific monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry are used to estimate the duration of DNA synthesis and the potential doubling time in tumor cell populations using a single sampling or biopsy. A correction for labeled, divided cells allows postlabel incubation intervals to exceed the length of the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. The method yields reliable results when tested in experimental tumor systems in vitro and in situ, as well as in nine human tumors labeled in situ. It uses a somewhat simpler analysis than the alternative relative movement method, requiring only labeling indices, rather than both a labeling index and relative movement, but doses require the administration of two, rather than one, label. It provides an independent verification of and a useful single sampling alternative to the relative movement method for the estimation of the length of S phase and, from this, the potential doubling time in experimental or clinical human tumors.