Flow cytometric DNA measurements in aspiration biopsies and surgical specimens of breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
One of the prognostic factors in breast cancer is the proliferation activity of the tumor. This study sought knowledge of this activity before surgery to benefit the design and timing of therapy.


METHODS
Flow cytometric DNA analysis data from 52 diagnostic fine needle aspirates were compared with data from subsequent surgical specimens.


RESULTS
The data showed that the coefficient of variation of the G1 peak was lower in the aspirates. Small, near-diploid peaks were detected more frequently in aspirate histograms than in surgical specimens. DNA analyses by flow cytometry from aspirates, which can be obtained prior to surgical treatment, were as reliable as those obtained from surgical specimens, provided that the cellular material was diagnostic of cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that flow cytometry DNA analysis from the first preoperative cytologic specimen from a breast tumor will permit faster planning and coordination of breast cancer care.
Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Finland.
L A
LA
Krogerus
M
M
Railo
M
M
Schoultz
S
S
Nordling
D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm