DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF TISSUE PREPARATIVE METHODOLOGY FOR DNA CONTENT-ANALYSIS OF SOFT-TISSUE NEOPLASMS

Data regarding DNA content parameters in soft tissue sarcoma is limite d. Development and optimization of tissue specific preparative techniq ues for DNA flow cytometry was undertaken prior to routine DNA content analysis of soft tissue neoplasms; 154 soft tissue tumors were studie d. Dissociation dependent differences in cellular yields, viabilities, maintenance of DNA aneuploid populations, coefficients of variation, and DNA index supported the need for these developmental studies. Fift y-six of eighty-nine patients had DNA aneuploid soft tissue sarcomas. A relationship between DNA aneuploidy and grade was seen in this serie s with 38% with low grade, 59% with moderate grade, and 69% with high grade tumors demonstrating DNA aneuploid populations (P < 0.005). The mean S-phase fraction for DNA diploid and aneuploid sarcomas was 7.2% and 13.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). When classified by histologic gra de of the primary tumor, a greater percentage of metastatic lesions we re DNA aneuploid (4 of 7 grade 2 lesions, and 15 of 16 grade 3 lesions ). Decreases in cellular yields and rate of DNA aneuploidy were observ ed in a subgroup of patients with localized high grade sarcoma treated preoperatively, as compared to patients treated with initial surgery. Prospective correlation of DNA content parameters to prognosis and re sponse to cytotoxic therapy are now possible and are ongoing. (C) 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.