Determination of nuclear DNA content and hormone receptors in breast cancer by the CAS 100 cell analysis system as related to morphologic grade and biochemical results.
Quantitative DNA analysis by the CAS 100 Cell Analysis System was performed on 120 cases of primary breast carcinoma using touch preparations from fresh biopsy specimens in 110 cases and archival, restrained fine needle preparations in 10 cases. Fifteen cases of metastatic breast carcinoma and 15 cases of benign breast lesions were also analyzed. Overall, 76.7% of the carcinomas examined were aneuploid, with most DNA indices between 1.6 and 2.0. DNA anomalies were strongly related to nuclear atypia but not to structural differentiation. The hormone receptor content, when compared with DNA data and morphologic features, emerged as a biologically independent factor. Agreement between quantitative immunocytochemical assay (QICA) using the CAS system and traditional dextran-coated charcoal assay (DCCA) in discriminating positive and negative status for estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors was 86% and 82%, respectively. Marked variations, however, occurred in the numerical values. Considering the advantages of QICA and the importance of tumor heterogeneity in particular, the use of traditional DCCA as the reference technique and only guide for therapy no longer seems justified.
Private Institute of Clinical Pathology and Cytology, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Rondez
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Yoshizaki
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Pirozynski
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D007621:Karyotyping; D008940:Mitotic Index; D015588:Observer Variation; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000032:analysis*; D011987:Receptors, Steroid / Q000032:analysis*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone; D011987:Receptors, Steroid