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Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors. A flow cytometric analysis with immunohistochemical and ultrastructural
P E Swanson1, W Jaszcz, R E Nakhleh
1Lauren V. Ackerman Laboratory of Surgical Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110.
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Cell cycle and DNA ploidy analysis in peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (pPNETs) did not provide prognostic information. Unlike in neuroblastoma, these analyses do not appear to aid in predicting clinical outcomes for pPNETs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Flow Cytometry
Background:
- Flow cytometry has proven useful for prognostic assessment in classical neuroblastoma.
- Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (pPNETs) are a group of neoplasms with uncertain prognostic markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if cell cycle and DNA ploidy analyses, useful in neuroblastoma, could provide prognostic information for pPNETs.
- To correlate DNA content and cell cycle status with clinical outcomes in pPNETs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from 19 pPNETs.
- Flow cytometry was used to assess DNA content and cell cycle distribution.
- Immunohistochemical or ultrastructural studies were previously performed for characterization.
Main Results:
- Acceptable flow cytometry histograms were obtained in 16 cases.
- Nine pPNETs were diploid, and seven were aneuploid.
- No significant correlation was found between DNA ploidy, immunophenotype, proliferative activity, and clinical outcome (disease-free status, recurrence, or death).
Conclusions:
- Cell cycle and DNA ploidy analyses do not appear to be prognostically useful for peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors.
- These findings contrast with the established prognostic value of such analyses in classical neuroblastoma.