DNA INDEX AND S-PHASE FRACTION IN UVEAL MALIGNANT MELANOMAS

Aims-To predict 5 year survival in patients with uveal malignant melan omas DNA indices were studied. Methods-Using 45 paraffin embedded uvea l malignant melanomas, the DNA index and S phase fraction of each tumo ur were the predictor variables recorded. Results-Using the Cox propor tional hazards model, aneuploid tumours and tumours which had an S pha se fraction greater than 4% were significant predictors of early death . In order to demonstrate a biological gradient between a larger DNA i ndex and shorter survival time, Linear regression and transformed line ar regression models were used. However, no such gradient could be dem onstrated. Conclusion-Although this study shows promise for the use of DNA studies in the prognosis of uveal malignant melanoma, the exact r ole of these techniques remains to be determined.