[Prognostic significance of histological and cytological parameters in biopsies]

In cancer and precancerous conditions, cytologic and histologic investigation of biopsies can serve to establish prognosis as well as for diagnosis. All prognostic factors must be taken into account in modifying a particular tumor therapy. Additional determination of biochemical parameters on the basis of biopsy material makes it possible to characterize the biology of tumor cells with greater precision. Transplant of tumor fragments into nude mice offers a further means of investigating tumor cell properties more closely in vivo.