PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF STEM-CELL LINE IDENTIFICATION FOR RENAL-CELL CARCINOMAS

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prognostic value of nuclear DNA content (DNA ploidy level) in a series of 95 renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). STU DY DESIGN: Eight variables were used to characterize DNA ploidy levels . They included DNA index and seven others characterizing the presence of specific stem cell lines in each of the 95 RCCs under study. All t hese variables were determined by means of computer-assisted microscop y applied to Feulgen-stained nuclei. The actual information contribute d by each of the eight variables was determined by means of univariate statistical-analyses. RESULTS: The results showed that in the DNA plo idy-related eight variables, the presence of at least 4% aneuploid nuc lei with >5C DNA content was associated with the most significant prog nostic value in RCCs with intermediate (T2, T3) invasion levels. CONCL USION: The present study clearly showed that stem cell line characteri zation, and particularly the presence of highly aneuploid cells (with >5C DNA content), is associated in RCCs with significant prognostic va lue. This kind of marker may help the identification of patients who w ill develop metastases after surgery and for whom adjuvant therapy mig ht thus be indicated.