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Flow cytometric analysis in colorectal carcinoma: prognostic significance of cellular DNA content

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Abstract

The prognostic value of DNA ploidy status was evaluated prospectively in 70 patients with colorectal carcinoma. Cellular DNA content was measured by flow cytometry from fresh specimens with multiple site sampling. Seventy-five percent of cases exhibited a DNA aneuploid pattern. In a univariate analysis, DNA ploidy status showed a statistically significant correlation with survival (p<0.05), weaker than Dukes' stage (p<0.001). No correlation was observed between survival and presence of multiple DNA stemlines. In a multivariate analysis. Dukes' stage was the strongest prognostic indicator (p=0.01) while DNA ploidy status did not show an independent prognostic value. It is concluded that DNA ploidy status is associated with pathological features of aggressive malignancy, but it does not have a determinant role in predicting survival.

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Schillaci, A., Tirindelli, D.D., Ferri, M. et al. Flow cytometric analysis in colorectal carcinoma: prognostic significance of cellular DNA content. Int J Colorect Dis 5, 223–227 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00303281

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