DNA INDEX, CELLULAR PROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITY AND NUCLEOLAR ORGANIZER REGIONS IN CANCERS OF THE LARYNX

The DNA index, expression of cell-cycle-related proteins - proliferati ng cell nuclear antigen (PCNA, cyclin) and Ki-67 - and the content of silver-binding nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) were evaluated in 30 unselected consecutive primary squamous cell carcinomas of the lary nx. Results were compared and subsequently related to histological gra ding, lymph node status, pT category, and pathological stage. DNA cont ent was non-diploid in 9 cases (30%). Mean AgNOR counts per tumor rang ed from 2.52 to 8.76. PCNA and Ki-67 expressions were similar in 10 ca ses (33%). In the remaining cases, PCNA-positive cells usually outnumb ered Ki-67-positive cells. No significant correlation was found among DNA index, PCNA and Ki-67 expressions, and AgNOR counts. Although ther e was a positive trend when Ki-67 was compared with histological gradi ng, findings were not statistically significant. In contrast, a signif icant correlation was found between DNA index and lymph node status (P = 0.035), with a higher incidence of neck node metastases in non-dipl oid tumors. These data suggest that tumor ploidy can be correlated wit h lymph node spread in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and might be used as an additional prognostic factor when planning treatment.