DNA ploidy analysis performed prospectively using fresh tumor samples in early glottic carcinoma treated with radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: The correlation between the DNA content, determined using fresh tumor tissues, and the macroscopic presentation of the lesion was studied prospectively in patients with T1 glottic carcinoma.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: DNA flow cytometry and fiber-optic endoscopic examination were performed for 30 previously untreated patients with T1 glottic carcinoma. The patients received radical radiotherapy at Aichi Cancer Center Hospital.

RESULTS

In regard to the type of lesion, 4 (80%) were aneuploid, and 1 (20%) was diploid for the invasive type. There was a tendency to show an invasive appearance in aneuploid tumors. With respect to clinical outcome, there were 3 (43%) local recurrences among the aneuploid tumors that invaded the entire length of one vocal cord, 0 (0%) for medium-sized lesions, and 1 (17%) for small lesions. Aneuploid tumors showed a high correlation between lesion size and local control.

CONCLUSIONS

The correlation was not strong enough to conclude that DNA content can replace the macroscopic presentation of the lesion. However, the combination of DNA content and tumor size may help predict radiation sensitivity.