Flow cytometric DNA analysis of squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity: correlation with clinical and histopathological features

• Published in: European journal of cancer. Part B, Oral oncology Vol. 30B; no. 2; p. 98
• Main Authors: Balsara, B R, Borges, A M, Pradhan, S A, Rajpal, R M, Bhisey, A N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 1994
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - genetics; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - pathology; DNA, Neoplasm - analysis; Female; Flow Cytometry; Humans; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Neoplasms - genetics; Mouth Neoplasms - pathology; Neck; Ploidies; S Phase
• ISSN: 0964-1955
• DOI: 10.1016/0964-1955(94)90060-4

DNA content was measured in 68 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the oral cavity by flow cytometry. Samples fixed in 95% alcohol and disaggregated with 0.5% pepsin were stained with 4,6-diamidino-phenylindole (DAPI) for flow cytometry. The tumours were classified according to the TNM classification--1987, and graded histopathologically. A positive correlation between tumour size and ploidy status was observed. Poorly differentiated tumours were mainly non-diploid (P < 0.01, chi 2). A majority of the node positive (N+) tumours were non-diploid (P < 0.05). It was possible to distinguish diploid, N+, T4 tumours from diploid, N-, T4 tumours by their higher S-phase fraction (SpF). SpF was also a useful parameter to differentiate diploid, N+ tumours from diploid, N- tumours among the moderately differentiated (MD) SCC. These results suggest that ploidy and SpF can be useful correlates of tumour behaviour.