Prognostic value of DNA ploidy as assessed with flow cytometry in uveal melanoma.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prognostic value of tumour cell DNA content, as determined with flow cytometry, in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from patients with uveal melanoma.

DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING

Pathology Laboratory, Vancouver General Hospital.

PATIENTS

Ninety patients with primary uveal (choroid) malignant melanoma diagnosed between 1975 and 1984 followed for at least 60 months.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Tumour cell DNA content, 5-year and 10-year disease-specific survival rates.

RESULTS

The DNA histograms were classifiable as diploid (67 cases) or aneuploid (18 cases) in 85 cases. On univariate analysis DNA content, age at diagnosis, histologic type of tumour, largest single tumour dimension and tumour volume were predictors of 10-year survival. Multivariate analysis with the stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression model did not confirm cellular DNA content as an independent prognostic factor. However, age at diagnosis, largest tumour dimension and presence of spindle vs. mixed or epithelioid cell pattern were significant predictors of death from uveal melanoma.

CONCLUSIONS

DNA ploidy of uveal melanoma is not a statistically significant predictor of survival.