Prognostic Significance And Heterogeneity In DNA PloidyOf Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Intratumoral heterogeneity in DNA ploidy was investigated in 80 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.Nuclear DNA content was determined formultiple samples obtained from the same tumor,using a flow cytometric(FCM)technique. The incidence of DNA aneuploidy was 88. 8% in this series, and DNA indicesranged from 0. 77-1. 74 of 80 cases,38 (47. 5 %)showed intratumoral heterogeneityin DNA ploidy. The 5-year-survival rate was significantly lower in the patients withtumors of heterogeneity in DNA ploidy(THDP)than those with non-THDP(P0. 025).Significance and mechanisms responsible for intratumoral heterogeneity inDNA ploidy are discussed from the aspect of tumor progression.