Quantitative DNA analysis and proliferation in breast carcinomas. A comparison between image analysis and flow cytometry.

TitleQuantitative DNA analysis and proliferation in breast carcinomas. A comparison between image analysis and flow cytometry.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1992
AuthorsLee AK, Wiley B, Dugan JM, Hamilton WH, Loda M, Heatley GJ, Cook L, Silverman ML
JournalPathol Res Pract
Volume188
Issue4-5
Pagination428-32
Date Published1992 Jun
ISSN0344-0338
KeywordsAdenocarcinoma, Mucinous, Aneuploidy, Antibodies, Monoclonal, Breast Neoplasms, Carcinoma, Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating, Cell Division, DNA, Neoplasm, Flow Cytometry, Humans, Image Processing, Computer-Assisted, Immunohistochemistry, Prospective Studies, Regression Analysis
Abstract

The DNA content and proliferation in 100 invasive breast carcinomas were evaluated by computerized image analysis (IA) and flow cytometry (FCM). For DNA content, image analysis of Feulgen-stained slides of fresh tumor imprints were compared with flow cytometry of propidium iodide-stained disaggregated fresh tumor tissue. The DNA indices obtained by the two methods showed close correlation by linear regression analysis (r = 0.89, p less than .001). There were 44 (44%) diploid and 56 (56%) aneuploid tumors. There was agreement between the two methods in detection of aneuploidy in 81% of tumors. Image analysis required smaller tissue samples, permitted direct visualization and selection of tumor cells, and was more sensitive in detecting tetraploid and highly aneuploid cell populations. In contrast, flow cytometry histograms provided better resolution, and were more effective in detecting multiploid tumors and near-diploid aneuploid tumors. Aneuploidy was significantly related to various adverse prognostic parameters, namely, negative estrogen receptor, high mitotic rate, high histologic and nuclear grades. Proliferation was evaluated by measuring the FCM S phase fraction (SPF), and by image analysis quantitation of immunohistochemical staining using Ki-67 monoclonal antibody. SPF and Ki-67 count showed modest correlation (r = 0.42). Both SPF and Ki-67 count were significantly related to the mitotic rate, histologic and nuclear grades. Our results indicate that the two methods provide comparable results, but offer individual advantages and are complementary techniques in analyzing DNA ploidy and proliferation in breast carcinomas.

DOI10.1016/S0344-0338(11)80032-4
Alternate JournalPathol Res Pract
PubMed ID1329051
Grant ListCA 40395 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
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Massimo Loda, M.D.

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