Automated image analysis DNA cytometry in testicular cancer.

The value of automated DNA cytometry for differentiation of testis cancer was evaluated in 54 seminomas, 13 HCG-positive seminomas, and 48 embryonal carcinomas. Slices of paraffin embedded tissue were enzymatically digested and stained with Feulgen SITS after fixation on glass slides. Automated DNA cytometry was performed with a Modular Image Analysis Computer (MIAC). DNA histogram phenotpye and computed DNA indices were correlated with the different tumor types. The ratio of hypertriploid to hypotriploid increased from HCG-positive seminoma over embryonal carcinoma to seminoma. The following mathematical DNA indices were found to correlate with tumor type: mean ploidy, 2c deviation index, 5c exceeding rate, variation coefficient of the GO/1 fraction and DNA nucleus diameter correlation.