DNA determination in endometrial carcinoma by flow and image cytometry

Endometrial carcinomas from 29 patients were analyzed by flow and image cytometric techniques with respect to DNA-content. Good agreement of ploidy value was obtained in 22 of the cases. A correlation was demonstrated between percentage cells above 2.5 C in image cytometry and S-phase as determined by flow cytometry. The interpretation was that cells with major chromosomal abnormalities may also have a high proliferative rate. These two features cannot be separated by image cytometry, whereas this is claimed to be the case according to the terminology used in interpretation of flow cytometric data. Our findings underline the need for a clarification of the terminology used in cell measurements on clinical material as well as proper choice of cytometric method to be used in conjunction with diagnostic cytology. The possible clinical value of the descriptors chosen from the two methods awaits follow-up of the patients.