Cytologic differentiation grade and malignancy DNA index in prostatic adenocarcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the predictive value of cytologic differentiation grades traditionally used for adenocarcinoma of the prostate with the malignancy grades obtained by DNA quantification.


METHODS
Of a total number of 156 cases of cancer of the prostate, 54 were selected for DNA quantification by image cytometry. They were studied cytologically, separating well, moderately and poorly differentiated cases. We obtained Kaplan-Meier survival times based on the cytologic grade. Then DNA quantification was carried out, and cases were selected on the basis of their different malignancy grades. The relative survival curves were obtained. Survival times based on cytologic grade were compared with those from DNA quantification.


RESULTS
There was no statistically significant difference in survival times between moderate and poorly differentiated cases, so they were included in the same group. Between well and moderately differentiated cases there were differences related to survival that were significant at P < .01. With respect to DNA quantification, a survival difference between low and high grade malignancy occurred at P < .001.


CONCLUSIONS
DNA quantification clearly allows better prediction of survival than does cytologic grading alone.
Azúa
J
J
Department of Morphologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Spain.
Romeo
P
P
Valle
J
J
Azúa
J
J
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000737:chemistry / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D016019:Survival Analysis
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm