A flow cytometric study on giant cell tumor of bone.

OBJECTIVE

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) is a comparatively common bone tumor in Chinese. Though GCT is generally considered as a benign tumor, it can pursue an aggressive course. The present study attempts to clarify whether the flow cytometric study can be an useful tool for prognosis of GCT patients.

METHODS

DNA content and cell cycle studies on 96 pathologically confirmed GCT specimens and anti-GCT monoclonal antibody (GCF-5 McAb) labeling study on 30 GCTs were made by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

29 GCTs (30.2%) exhibited aneuploid and 67 (69.8%) diploid. Of 71 primary tumors, 16 (22.5%) exhibited aneuploid. The DNA index was 0.97+0.15, and the average S, G2/M phase cells 15.23+6.15%. Of 25 recurrent tumors, 13 (52%) were aneuploid, with an average DI of 1.08+0.17. The average S, G2/M phase cells was 19.56+7.12%. Between the primary and recurrent tumor groups, there was significant statistical difference both in S, G2/M phase cell percentage (P < 0.05) and DNA content (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between Jaffe's grade I and grade II groups in DNA content or in S, G2/M phase cell percentage. GCF-5 McAb could combine with almost all cells of S, G2/M phase and part of the cells in G0/G1 phase. Significant relationship existed (r=0.468, P < 0.05) between the percentages of S, G2/M phase cells and GCF-5 positive cells. Between the primary and the recurrent tumor groups, there was a significant difference in the percentage of both S, G2/M phase cells and GCF-5 positive cells.

CONCLUSION

Apparently flow cytometric study is of value in the evaluation of the biological behavior of GCT as well as the prognosis of the patients.