DNA-PLOIDY, PROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITY, AND CONCANAVALIN-A REACTIVITY IN BREAST-CANCER

Paraffin-embedded primary tumor specimens from 48 patients with breast cancer were examined for DNA ploidy, S-phase fraction (SPF), and conc anavalin A (Con A) reactivity. The results were correlated with clinic opathological prognostic factors, including patients' age and menopaus al status, stage of disease, nuclear grade, and size of the primary tu mor. There were no associations among ploidy, SPF, Con A reactivity, a nd menopausal status, stage of disease, or size of the primary tumor. However, among patients who were 50 years or older, 81% had diploid tu mors and 73% had good reactivity (3 + or better staining score) with C on A. In contrast, among patients who were younger than 50 years, 45% had diploid tumors (P < 0.05) and 21% had good Con A reactivity (P < 0 .05). Seven of 19 (37%) poorly differentiated tumors and 7 of 9 (78%) moderately differentiated tumors had good reactivity with Con A (P < 0 .05). Reactivity of tumor cells with Con A in primary breast cancer ti ssues deserves further evaluation as a potential biomarker of prognosi s. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.