DNA as a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer. A retrospective analysis of 34 patients

OBJECTIVE: We study the tumoral DNA as a prognostic factor in patients operated for colo-rectal cancer. DESIGN: Retrospective. We analyze by flow cytometry the DNA content of tumoral tissue: Ploidy, DNA Index, Proliferative Index, S Phase. PATIENTS: 34 operated patients, for colo-rectal cancer, with a minimum 3 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Ploidy doesn't show any relation with other prognostic factors. Only Dukes C aneuploid patients had more positive nodes than diploid. Ploidy was not related to better evolution or survival. Neither DNA Index, Proliferative Index and S Phase were related to the evolution of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The DNA study by flow cytometry has no better prognostic value then other classical factors.