PROGNOSTIC-SIGNIFICANCE OF CELL-PROLIFERATION MARKERS AND DNA-PLOIDY IN HEAD AND NECK TUMORS

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic sign ificance of cell proliferation markers and DNA ploidy in patients with a squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region. Methods and Ma terials: With how cytometry, DNA index, G(1)PF-phase fraction (G(1)PF) , S-phase fraction (SPF), 5-bromo-2'-deoxy-uridine (BrdUrd) labeling-i ndex (LI), and potential doubling time (T-pot), were determined. T-sta ge and N-stage were assessed in accordance with the TNM classification system (UICC 1987). Results: After multivariate analysis, it appeared that the probability of locoregional recurrent disease was increased by (a) T-4-stage, (b) high values of the ratio SPF to LI, (c) DNA tetr aploidy. Prognostic significance G(1)PF for SPF, LI, and T-pot was not demonstrated. However, the treatment regimen was not uniform for the total group of 103 patients. In 45 patients treated with radiation as single treatment and in 49 patients treated with postoperative radioth erapy, prognostic significance for G(1)PF, SPF, LI, and T-pot could no t be demonstrated either. Separate; statistical analysis was not execu ted for nine patients, treated by surgery atone. Conclusions: Prognost ic significance could not be demonstrated for T-pot, LI, SPF, and G(1) PF in our series. The ratio of SPF to LI was found to be a promising p rognosticator and is regarded to be indicative for the size of the hyp oxic fraction. Prognostic significance for DNA ploidy was confirmed. ( C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.