DNA aneuploidy by flow cytometry is an independent prognostic factor in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity

Background: The clinical significance of flow cytometric DNA content in hea d and neck squamous cell carcinoma is still controversial. Patients and Met hods: We prospectively investigated the prognostic importance of tumor size (T), lymph node involvement at presentation (N), degree of histologic diff erentiation (G) and DNA ploidy (DNA) in 429 surgically treated patients wit h primary oral squamous cell carcinoma using multivariate statistics. Resul ts: T, G and DNA were independent predictors of metastasis to the neck. N a nd DNA were independent prognostic factors of loco-regional recurrence deve lopment. N and T were prognostic of overall survival. N and DNA were predic tive: of recurrence-free survival. For the neck negative group, DNA remaine d as the only predictor of overall and relapse free survival. Conclusion: D ATA flow cytometry adds significant prognostic information beyond that prov ided by established prognostic factors.