Comparison of DNA ploidy and nuclear morphometric parameters with the conventional prognostic factors in transitional...

Carcinomas of the bladder cause important problems of mortality and morbidity despite diagnostic and therapeutic improvements. A variety of grading systems has been developed to reflect the different biologic behavior and malignant potential of this heterogeneous neoplasm. However, these histologic grading systems are subjective and reproducibility is low. In this study, the nuclear morphometric features and DNA ploidy status of 86 cases of transitional cell bladder carcinomas have been studied using image analysis methods with different data selection methods in nucleus suspension to evaluate the relationship of these parameters with the conventional prognostic factors. The relationship between these parameters and likelihood of relapse has also been investigated. In conclusion, the mean nuclear area of the 10 largest nuclei and DNA ploidy status have been shown to be significantly correlated with conventional prognostic factors. Cytomorphometrically, a binary grading system seems more suitable for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. For superficial carcinomas, morphometric parameters and DNA ploidy analysis can be helpful in the separation of the patients into prognostically different groups.