Flow cytometry DNA ploidy analysis and catecholamine secretion profiles in neuroblastoma
C R Abramowsky1, S R Taylor, A H Anton
1Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106.
Cancer
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Nonaneuploid neuroblastomas, unlike aneuploid tumors, secrete higher levels of early catecholamine metabolites and are linked to unfavorable clinical stages. This finding offers new insights into neuroblastoma tumor biology and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Catecholamine secretion patterns are unreliable predictors of neuroblastoma clinical behavior.
- Nuclear DNA content analysis in neuroblastoma shows aneuploid DNA predicts favorable outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between tumor DNA content and catecholamine secretion patterns in neuroblastoma.
- To determine if these biologic indicators can predict clinical behavior.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometric DNA analysis was performed on paraffin-embedded neuroblastoma tumor samples from 39 patients.
- Catecholamine levels (DOPA, dopamine, HVA) were measured in urine and tumor homogenates.
- DNA content (aneuploid vs. nonaneuploid) was correlated with catecholamine profiles and clinical stage.
Main Results:
- 23 tumors were classified as aneuploid and 16 as nonaneuploid.
- Nonaneuploid neuroblastomas showed significantly higher levels of early catecholamine metabolites (DOPA, dopamine, HVA) (P < 0.02).
- Nonaneuploid tumors were associated with higher, unfavorable clinical stages of disease.
Conclusions:
- Nonaneuploid neuroblastomas exhibit a biochemical profile suggestive of a dopamine-norepinephrine pathway block.
- This pathway block is associated with increased secretion of early catecholamine metabolites.
- Tumor DNA content is a valuable indicator, with nonaneuploidy correlating with unfavorable clinical presentation in neuroblastoma.
