[Prognostic significance of nuclear DNA measurement with flow cytometry for laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas].

DNA ploidy, S% and proliferative index (PI) of carcinomatous cell were evaluated with FCM in 41 patients with laryngeal primary squamous cell carcinomas which were operated on in our department during the period between Jan. 1979 to Oct. 1987. The results showed that DNA aneuploidy was identified in 65.85% of the cases (27/41) and patients with aneuploid carcinomas had higher S% (mean +/- standard: 23.22 +/- 9.57%), higher PI (mean +/- standard: 37.59 +/- 9.57%) and higher rate of relapse and/or metastasis than those with diploid tumours (55.55% vs 11.77%, P < 0.025). Patients with aneuploid carcinomas also correlated with an unfavorable prognosis compared with those with diploid tumors. Cases with aneuploid and diploid carcinomas had 66.11% and 92.86% respectively for two years postoperation survival rate; 46.74% and 92.86% respectively for five years postoperation survival rate (Log-rank test: chi 2 = 5.96, P < 0.025). We conclude that nuclear DNA measurement with flow cytometry is of important significance in estimating prognosis and guiding treatment for laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas.