[Flow cytofluorometric DNA analysis in fresh bladder specimens and its correlations between cytology and mitotic...

From 1986 to 1987, cell materials of 50 patients with a suspicious history of bladder tumor were determined by flow cytofluorometric DNA measurement and compared with conventional cytogenetic analysis in the institution. The frequency of DNA aneuploid was found 47.6 per cent positive in 42 consecutive cases investigated by means of flow cytometry whereas in 47 cases by cytology and 42 cases by mitotic index (MI) profile a comparable 44.7% and 52.5% of positive findings were observed respectively, showing that there was good correlation between flow cytometry and conventional cytology. In a combined analysis of these 3 potential indices for tumor marker a 74 per cent positive rate could be reached and a good consistency of the 3 indices was observed by 69.7%. The study of DNA distribution pattern by FCM would definitely be of clinical significance in daily practice only if a disagreement appears a reevaluation should then be made. Cytological studies require a high level of skill and experience and it is time-consuming with subjective bias, comparing to FCM which sever as a valuable method with much more diagnostic sensitivity, objectivity and rapidity. Flow cytometry is now developed to the point as a particularly valuable adjuvant for bladder tumor detection.