Association of ploidy and cell proliferation, Dukes' classification, and histopathological differentiation in adenocarcinomas of colon and rectum.
OBJECTIVE
To find out if there is an association between DNA indexes and DNA synthesis (S) phase measurements and Dukes' classification and histopathological differentiation in colorectal cancers, and to investigate the interrelationship between DNA indexes and S phase measurements.


METHODS
Prospective open study.


METHODS
182 colorectal carcinomas in 181 consecutive patients.


METHODS
Tumours biopsied immediately after resection or at rectoscopy or colonoscopy.


RESULTS
One or more aneuploid cell populations were found in 113 of 182 carcinomas (62%). There was no correlation between Dukes' stage and either degree of differentiation or S phase measurements, but there were significant correlations between S phase measurements and histological grading (p less than 0.05), and between the percentage of cells in the S phase and the DNA index when values for both diploid and aneuploid tumours were included (p less than 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The degree of aneuploidy indicates how far tumour cells have progressed in their cellular disarrangement, and information about a tumour's proliferative capacity is given by the S phase measurements.
Wahlström
B
B
Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska Hospital, Sweden.
Branehög
I
I
Stierner
U
U
Sunzel
H
H
Holmberg
E
E
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002455:Cell Division; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011003:Ploidies; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology; D016196:S Phase
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm