DNA content/ploidy as prognostic factors in prostate cancer.

Abstract

Modern electronic analytic instruments and computers make determination of DNA content/ploidy from individual tumor cells an efficient, accurate, and economical process. Both flow-cytometric, singlecell DNA content measurements and static image cytometry, using histologic sections stained by the Feulgen process are commonly used methodologies. DNA content/ploidy can now be reliably measured by flow cytometry, either from fresh tissues or, using theHedley methodology, from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. Cytologic needle aspirates of the prostate and prostate tissue specimens obtained by radical prostatectomy, transurethral resection, or needle biopsy can be studied effectively by either flow or static image cytometry. In certain countries, particularly the USA, DNA content/ploidy is a routinely available laboratory test that can be obtained at about the same price as standard histologic analysis; there is every reason to believe that DNA content/ploidy measurement of human prostate cancer is a more objective, accurate, and reproducible method of grading such tumors than is human microscopic grading, particularly for intermediate grade (Gleason 5-7) tumors.