INTERRELATIONSHIPS OF DNA-PLOIDY AND CELL-PROLIFERATION MARKERS WITH T-STAGE AND N-STAGE IN PRIMARY LARYNGEAL TUMORS

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interrelationsh ips of DNA-ploidy and cell proliferation markers with T-stage and N-st age in primary laryngeal tumors. Methods and Materials: DNA-index, S-p hase fraction (SPF), 5-bromo-2'-deoxy-uridine (BrdUrd)-labeling index (LI), duration of S-phase (T-s), and potential doubling time (T-pot) w ere determined by how cytometry. T-stage and N-stage were assessed in accordance with the TNM classification system (UICC 1987). Results: T1 -2-, when compared with T3-4-stage tumors, had significantly higher LI values (independent from N-stage) resulting in Lower T-pot values. No such relationship was found with respect to N-stage. N1-3 tumors, as opposed to NO tumors, appeared to be characterized by a significantly shorter T-s (and, hence, a shorter T-pot). T-s values appeared to vary considerably (range 1.9-6.2 h). For DNA-aneuploidy, as opposed to DNA -diploidy, a significantly higher geometric mean LI was noted. Locally advanced (T3-4) tumors, when compared with T1-2 tumors, were characte rized by a significantly higher percentage of DNA-aneuploidy. Conclusi ons: The reported lack of prognostic relevance of cell proliferation m arkers to predict radiation treatment efficacy may relate to a decreas ed proliferative capacity (LI, T-pot) in locally advanced (T3-4) tumor s, as found in our series. In laryngeal tumors, the predictive value o f cell proliferation markers (LI, T-pot) should, therefore, be evaluat ed after stratification for T-stage. The existence of higher LI values in DNA-aneuploidy tumors was confirmed in our series, stressing the n eed for distinction of DNA-diploid tumor cells from DNA-diploid normal cells. The prognostic potential of DNA-index was confirmed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.