RELATION OF DNA PLOIDY LEVEL TO ESTROGEN RECEPTOR IN THE BREAST CANCER

Tumor samples from 61 patients with primary breast cancer were measured for DNA ploidy level and Estrogen Receptor (ER) by flow cytometry and Histochemical fluorescence. Relationship between DNA ploidy Level and ER status was analyzed. The results showed 35 (57.4%) of 61 breast cancer were aneuploidy and remainder were diploidy. 34 (55.7%) of 61 breast cancer were ER-positive, 27 negative. Diploidy tumors were more often ER-positive and high differentiated than aneuploidy tumors (P0.01and0.001, respectivery). An inverse relationship was also observed, when percentage of ER-positive cell was decreased, the incidence of aneu ptoidy tumors may increased (P0.001). We suggest that DNA ploidy can be used as a new prognostic marker for breast cancer. If this investigatiOn combied with ER analysis may improved the effect of endocrine therapy in patients with breast cancer.