[The diagnostic value of flow cytometric DNA analysis of bronchial washing and lavage fluids in lung cancer].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the diagnostic value of flow cytometric DNA analysis of bronchial washing and lavage fluids in lung cancer.


METHODS
The cellular DNA contents of bronchial washing and lavage fluids from 68 patients (43 with lung cancer and 25 with benign pulmonary disorder) were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the diagnostic value of this method in lung cancer was compared with that of fiberoptic bronchoscopic biopsy and brushing.


RESULTS
The presence of aneuploidy was used as a diagnostic criterion, the sensitivity of DNA analysis was 81%, and the specificity was 92%. The positive rate of aneuploidy in central lung cancer (29) was 83%, and there was no statistical difference when compared with biopsy (90%) and brushing (69%). The positive rate of aneuploidy in peripheral lung cancer (14) was 79%, significantly higher than biopsy (29%) (P < 0.025) and brushing (29%) (P < 0.025). In a few patients from both central and peripheral lung cancer groups, biopsy and brushing appeared negative, but aneuploidy was obtained from cytometry.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that flow cytometric DNA analysis of bronchial washing and lavage fluids may be a valuable adjunctive method in the diagnosis of lung cancer, particularly in peripheral lung cancer.
Tao
M
M
First Affiliated Hospital, Suzhou Medical College.
Li
J
J
Wu
J
J
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000737:chemistry; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000175:diagnosis; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm