Cartilaginous tumors: prognostic applications of cytophotometric DNA analysis.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, selection of cancer therapy is based on the assessment of the prognosis of the individual patient. The specific type of tumor and the stage of disease have been the most reliable indicators of prognosis.

METHODS

Image cytometry to determine DNA content was used in conjunction with clinicopathologic parameters and patient survival to investigate 16 cartilaginous tumors. Histopathologic characteristics, cytometric DNA ploidy status, 2c deviation index (2cDI), DNA malignancy grade (DNA-MG), and 5c-exceeding event (5cEE) were used to learn more about the determination of tumor prognosis. Prognosis was analyzed with a maximum follow-up of 148 months.

RESULTS

DNA ploidy status, 2cDI, DNA-MG, and 5cEE are indicators of prognosis. After 148 months of follow-up, patients with aneuploid tumors had a significantly lower overall survival rate compared with those with diploid tumors (P < 0.05). Patients with DNA-MG less than 0.8 or 2cDI less than 1.5 had a significantly longer overall survival rate with respect to the group of patients with a DNA-MG greater than 0.8 or 2cDI greater than 1.5 (P < 0.001). A significant difference was noted in the overall survival rates between patients with tumors with 5cEE less than 3 and 5cEE 3 or greater (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Image cytophotometry DNA ploidy status, 2c deviations index, DNA malignancy grade, and 5c exceeding event were investigated and were found to be of prognostic value for patients with cartilaginous tumors.