Understanding the mitotic rate is crucial for several reasons:
Diagnosis of Diseases: The mitotic rate can indicate the presence and severity of diseases. For example, a high mitotic rate in a tumor sample often suggests aggressive cancer. Treatment Monitoring: By tracking changes in the mitotic rate, clinicians can assess the effectiveness of treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Prognosis: The mitotic rate can help predict disease outcomes. In some cancers, a higher mitotic rate is associated with a poorer prognosis.
