Flow cytometry of DNA content in ductable breast carcinoma

Abstract

The measurements of DNA content and analysis of neoplastic cells cycle may have significance in diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic management.

The occurence of aneuploid cells in investigative material is usually connected with poor prognosis.

In our research study the results of flow cytometry measurement have been compared with histopatological grade, tumor volume and lymph nodes status.

The investigative samples (n-40) came from women, who underwent operation in 1994–1995 in Center of Oncology, Poznań. The cells for flow cytometry analysis were isolated from tumores (mastectomy) by enzymatic method (pepsin).

The measurement has been performed on flow cytometer. Cytron Absolute Ortho after dyeing the cells by propidium iodide.

Aneuploid cells occured in 77.5% investigative tumors. The increase in percentage on samples with abnormal content of DNA in poorly differentied tumors (G3) has been observrd. (Bloom and Richardson Classification). The percentage of aneuploid cells increased also in tumors classified as pT3 and pT4.

The correlation between DNA – ploidy and lymph nodes status has not been proved.

The research results indicate the significance of flow cytometry measurement of DNA content in oncological diagnostic as addition to routine.