[Quantitative DNA determination and its role in the prognosis of malignant tumors]

We summarize our own cytophotometric and flow cytometric measurements from malignant tumors and premalignant lesions. DNA, non-histoprotein and dry mass (by interference microscopy) have been assessed. Ploidy and the compartments of the cell cycle were evaluated. For most tumors (cervix, breast, ovary, melanoma, larynx, oro-facial, bladder) a bad prognosis was suggested by the following cytophotometric findings: aneuploidy, polyploidy, and/or a high proportion of S-G2/M nuclei. This has been statistically confirmed for breast cancer by case studies conducted over a period of five years. Among the changes associated with lung cancer were alterations in protein content. Cytophotometric findings can provide useful additional information concerning a patient's prognosis.