Flow cytometric DNA analysis in gynecological oncology.

The relevance of flow cytometric DNA analysis in neoplasia of the female genital tract is reviewed. The virtues and limitations of the technique are discussed. There is good evidence, mainly from retrospective studies, that DNA ploidy and/or the tumor S-phase fraction are valuable prognostic indicators in patients with carcinoma of the ovary and endometrium. Further prospective studies are needed, however, to establish the precise value of flow cytometric DNA analysis before it can be used safely for stratification of therapeutic regimes.