Oncology applications of flow cytometry

The application of flow cytometry in evaluation of neoplasms is reviewed, with emphasis on DNA content analysis and surface-membrane antigen analysis. By measuring total nuclear DNA content one can determine the ploidy status and S-phase fraction of tumor cells. Aneuploidy, an abnormal DNA content, is a marker of malignancy and often a predictor of poor prognosis in a number of tumor categories. S-phase fraction reflects the proliferative activity of the tumor and is therefore related to the aggressiveness of the tumor. Surface-membrane antigen analysis of hematologic malignancies using monoclonal antibodies is useful in determining lineage and differentiation of tumor cells. This information is helpful in diagnosis and monitoring of patients and also has prognostic values. The flow cytometry is a new tool for the management of cancer patients because of its role in diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of tumors.