Flow cytofluorometric analysis of serial biopsies of tumours of the uterine cervix
Dyson, J.E.; Joslin, C.A.; Quirke, P.; Bird, C.C.
European Journal of Cancer and Clinical Oncology 20(10): 1249-1259
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0277-5379 PMID: 6541583 Document Number: 222495
The technique of flow cytofluorometry was employed to assess, by means of cell suspensions prepared from serial biopsies, the radioresponsiveness of tumors of the uterine cervix. This enables DNA profiles and content of proliferating cells to be determined prior to treatment and during external beam and intracavitary therapy. Elimination of hyperdiploid and hypertetraploid cells and reduction in the proliferating fraction of cells can readily be monitored by this method during therapy. This information, quickly available during treatment, may assist in estimating radioresponsiveness of the tumor and possible prognosis for the patient. Dose fractionation schedules may also be adjusted according to tumor response to therapy. These results, however, show no relationship between histopathological classification of a tumor (WHO) and its ploidy state. The advanced stages of the disease (II and III) do, however, show an increased content of hypertetraploid cells in the tumor biopsies.