Prognostic value of DNA analysis in colorectal carcinoma

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Abstract
Background. Reported experiences regarding the prognostic significance of DNA content in colorectal carcinoma have been a matter of controversy. Methods. DNA analysis with image cytometry was performed in 137 patients with colorectal cancer. Only patients who had resection without tumor residual and who did not die postoperatively as a consequence of the operation were entered in the study. At the time of DNA analysis, neither the histomorphologic data nor the relapse‐free survival time of the patients were known. Results. In this investigation the DNA content of tumor cells had no univariate or multivariate influence on the relapse‐free survival time. The prognosis was dependent on the tumor localization, depth of tumor infiltration, lymph node metastasis, and grade. Conclusions. DNA content provides no additional prognostic information in colorectal carcinoma.