DNA analysis by using flow cytometry on vesical biopsy specimens: S-phase evaluation

Abstract

— By using DNA flow cytometry (FCM) the Authors assessed the S-phase cell cycle values on 802 vesical biopsy samples removed from 293 patients who underwent urethrocystoscopy because of bladder tumours in progress or in the past. They found the following S-phase average percentage values: 12.70 ± 12.00 in transitional cell carcinomas; 10.54 ± 8.71 in urothelial dysplasias; 13.38 ± 12.05 in exfoliative cystitis; 10.27 ± 9.69 in aspecific inflammation; 7.35 ± 5.00 in normal urothelium. Such differences were statistically significant. Concerning urothelial carcinomas, the Authors noted different S-phase percentages according to stage, histological grade and ploidy. The analysis of average S-phase values demonstrated statistical significance. Instead the presence of wide standard deviations hampered the evaluation of well-determined thresholds which could identify cell populations with different clinical behaviour.