The AgNOR quantity as prognostic parameter in choroidal melanomas: a standardised analysis

In order to assess the prognostic significance of silver-stained nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) proteins, a standardised analysis has been perform ed on 34 ocular globes with choroidal melanomas. On formalin-fixed paraffin -embedded sections, the visualisation and quantification of AgNORs were ach ieved according to the guidelines of the Committee on AgNOR Quantification (1995); statistical analysis was performed on the mean AgNOR area values (N ORA). We have encountered significantly higher NORA values in non-spindle s haped elements, in tumours of larger dimensions as well as in those with wo rse clinical course; no correlations were achieved when the AgNOR quantity was compared with age, sex and amount of pigment. The comparison of Kaplan- Meier survival curves revealed that patients affected by melanomas with hig her NORA values (>3.327 mu m(2)), non-spindle cell histotype and increased size of tumour had a worse prognosis; finally, by Cox multivariate analysis , the AgNOR quantity appeared the only independent prognostic variable to p redict the final outcome of patients.