Labeling Index as a Prognostic Marker in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas2, 3, 4

Abstract

The labeling index (LI) was determined at the time of initial diagnosis of 88 untreated adults with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The frequency distribution of low (≤4%) and high (>4%) LI between tumors with nodular and diffuse histologic patterns was significantly different (PP-7). Highly significant differences between the two kinetic groups were also observed within nodular and diffuse patterns. However, whereas the difference for nodular lymphomas was independent of histologic subtype and stage, this was not always true for all subtypes of diffuse lymphomas. LI could be a useful marker to identify prior to treatment the patients who could enter complete remission and have favorable survival. Its clinical relevance as a prognostic factor appeared superior to the Rappaport histologic classification and pathologic stage, especially in patients with nodular histology.