DNA profile and steroid receptor content of human ovarian cancer.

The cellular DNA content was measured in 37 biopsy specimens from human malignant ovarian tumours by flow cytometric analysis. The same specimens were processed for measurement of steroid receptor content. In 14 cases both parameters were investigated in different parts of the same tumour. The results showed that 54% of the tumours contained aneuploid cell populations. Approximately half of the specimens were oestrogen receptor positive whereas 43% contained progesterone receptors. Both ploidy level and steroid receptor content proved constant throughout the tumour, but no relation between the two parameters was demonstrated.