[DNA flow cytometry in the prognostication of certain malignant neoformations]

The study has been concerned with DNA ploidy and its significance for prognosis of different neoplasms. The investigation included 314 patients: primary cancer of the lung (96), head and neck (146) and large bowel (72). Patients received surgery alone or surgery plus either radiotherapy or chemotherapy; they were followed up for 6-20 months. DNA levels were assayed in resected material using an ICP-22 flow cytometer. Diploid and aneuploid cancers were detected in 20.4-53.6 and 43.6-79.6%, respectively. The recurrence rates in cases of aneuploid cancers were more than 3 times those of diploidy (21.0-43.2 and 4.5-14.5%, respectively). Overall 5-year survival in diploid patients was twice that in aneuploid ones. Similarly, survival after surgery alone, preoperative chemotherapy and postoperative radiotherapy among diploid patients was longer than in aneuploid ones. Hence, DNA ploidy examination of tumors is of great informative value in prognosing tumor process and working out individually-tailored approach to treatment.