Search

The prognostic value of DNA ploidy status was evaluated prospectively in 70 patients with colorectal carcinoma. Cellular DNA content was measured by flow cytometry from fresh specimens with multiple site sampling. Seventy-five percent of cases exhibited a DNA aneuploid pattern. In a univariate analysis, DNA ploidy status showed a statistically significant correlation with survival (p less than 0.05), weaker than Dukes' stage (p less than 0.001). No correlation was observed between survival and presence of multiple DNA stemlines. In a multivariate analysis, Dukes' stage was the strongest prognostic indicator (p = 0.01) while DNA ploidy status did not show an independent prognostic value. It is concluded that DNA ploidy status is associated with pathological features of aggressive malignancy, but it does not have a determinant role in predicting survival.

Between 1971 and 1982, 162 patients underwent surgical treatment for carcinoma of the large intestine; follow-up data was available for 94 per cent of the patients. Tumor stage distribution was homogeneous and did not differ significantly with increasing duration of symptoms. The duration of symptoms was not determinant of survival, whereas stage influenced survival. These results show that patients with carcinoma of the large intestine with a short symptomatic period do not have either less advanced tumors or better survival prospects.