PREDICTION OF LYMPH-NODE METASTASIS AND PROGNOSIS FROM THE ASSAY OF THE EXPRESSION OF PROLIFERATING CELL NUCLEAR ANTIGEN AND DNA-PLOIDY IN GASTRIC-CANCER

Cell proliferation of 174 specimens obtained from the primary gastric cancers using endoscopic biopsy was investigated by immunohistochemica l analysis with the monoclonal antibody PC10, which recognizes a proli ferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in formalin-fixed and paraffin-em bedded material. Ah the examined samples showed nuclear staining for P CNA in cancer cells. The investigation was to test the correlation bet ween PCNA labeling and lymph node metastasis. DNA aneuploidy was often encountered in tumors with nodal involvement and lymphatic invasion. The logistic regression analysis identified PCNA labeling rates (LRs), tumor size, and macroscopic type as independent significant factors f or lymph node metastasis. When the PCNA LRs and clinicopathologic para meters were entered into the Cox regression analysis, PCNA LRs and DNA ploidy emerged as independent significant prognostic factors. In addi tion, combination assay of PCNA LRs and DNA ploidy yielded a powerful prognostic indication for patients with gastric cancer.