DNA ploidy, grade, and stage in prognosis of uterine cervical cancer

A retrospective study of 56 cases of uterine cervical squamous carcinoma evaluated DNA content, histological grade, and clinical stage as indicators of prognosis. Minimum survivor follow-up was 24 months. Following standard radiation therapy, there were 40 cures and 16 treatment failures. DNA content was measured by flow cytometry of pretreatment biopsies removed from paraffin. There were 18 diploid cases and 38 aneuploid (67.9%). Aneuploid cases included 6 with very high G2-M peaks (greater than or equal to 15% of the cell sample). DNA ploidy correlation with prognosis was not statistically significant. However, both grading by a multiple parameter method (P less than 0.0133) and staging (P less than 0.0064) were significant prognostic factors. Higher grade and stage correlated with treatment failure.