Flow cytometric studies on the relationship between DNA content and clinicopathologic features of pancreatic cancers

The purpose of this study was to determine DNA (DI) and proliferation indices (PI) in 26 pancreatic and 10 ampulla of Vater carcinomas by flow cytometry using paraffin embedded tissue samples. Furthermore, we analysed the relationship between these parameters and the traditionally used prognostic parameters (type, stage and grade) of the tumor. Out of the 26 pancreas carcinomas 15 proved to be DNA diploid and 11 DNA aneuploid, while among the 10 ampulla of Vater tumors 7 DNA diploids and 3 DNA aneuploids were found. The PI-ces in both type of carcinomas were significantly higher than PI-ces in the surrounding nontumorous pancreatic tissue. The average of PI in aneuploid carcinomas significantly exceeded the one of diploid carcinomas. In group of grade III-IV tumors the ratio of aneuploids (59%), and the average of PI (11.59% +/- 5.27%) proved to be significantly higher (P < 0.05, both) than in grade I-II group (21%, PI = 8.16% +/- 4.03%). Among the tumors falling into the T1 class the ratio of aneuploids (29%) and of tumors (29%) characterized by a PI > 8% proved to be lower than among the tumors of T2-T3 class (46%, 62%). The ratio of aneuploids among cases with lymphnode positivity was higher (3/4), than among those without (8/22), the single case with distant metastasis was also found to be aneuploid. The results indicate a close correlation between the DNA ploidy and PI and the stage and grade of pancreatic cancers.