Abstract

This study shows the content analysis of DNA ploidy and the percentage of S phase cells determined by flow cytometry and other prognostic variable in 69 specimens of breast carcinomas. A significant association between DNA ploidy and the tumor size, estrogen and progesterone receptors, was noticed. Also another association was identified between the percentage of S phase and menstrual status, estrogen receptors, and axillary node metastases. Tumors classified as DNA aneuploid, with S phase bigger than 7.15 presented more metastasis and smaller survival compared to DNA diploid tumors and S phase lower than 7.15. According to the prognostic point of view, the importance of the DNA study was demonstrated privately for the axillary node negative group.

Key words: breast cancer; flow cytometry; cell proliferation; DNA content; prognosis