[DNA ploidy and DNA index in aneuploid laryngeal cancer]

Abnormal cellular DNA content, a hallmark of malignancy, is known to be an important prognostic factor in many human solid tumors. In laryngeal tumors studies are not as common as in different locations.

Of this study was to analyze the prognostic value of DNA content in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and relations between aneuploidy and clinical as well as histological features of the tumor.

Sixty-two patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx treated in years 1997-2001 on the ENT department of the University Hospital in Wroclaw were subject of our study. Flow cytometric DNA ploidy, S-phase fraction and index DNA measurements were performed on fresh frozen tumor tissues.

Results were compared to histological grading and TNM category. There was a positive relation between DNA aneuploidy, histological grading and with lymph node metastases. This correlation did not reach statistical significance. We also noticed low mean values of index DNA in advanced tumors (G3, T4, N+).

The results of this study suggest that presence of aneuploid cells in laryngeal cancer can be related to lymph node metastases and tumor grading. Studies should be continued to prove results on the major number of patients.