Cytofluorimetric evaluation of DNA ploidy in the diagnosis of bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between urinary cytology, traditional indexes of malignancy of bladder carcinoma and DNA-ploidy (diploid, near-diploid, aneuploid).

METHODS

52 specimens of bladder cancers (transitional cell carcinoma) were obtained from 46 patients at TURB and from 6 patients at radical cystectomy. In every specimen the nuclear content of DNA was investigated using the cytofluorimetric method. Cells were processed in standard fashion for flow cytometry with propidium iodide staining; cellular suspension was obtained mechanically. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were used as diploid standard. Bladder cytology was performed in every patient.

RESULTS

A relationship between DNA-ploidy and histological malignancy was observed. The largest portion of near-diploid neoplasm was observed in stage T1, grade G2 malignancies. In some cases negative bladder cytology occurred together with aneuploid DNA content, whilst in other cases positive bladder cytology occurred together with diploid DNA content. In consequence there is not always a relationship between bladder cytology and DNA-ploidy.

CONCLUSIONS

Since observed correlations may point out some neoplasms with particular biological behaviour, follow-up of near-diploid malignancies is of great interest.