DNA quantification as a prognostic factor in prostatic adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To determine if DNA quantification on fine needle aspiration (FNA) has a predictive value in cancer of the prostate. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-four patients with cancer of the prostate during the years 1979-1989 were selected; all were diagnosed by FNA. The smears were studied using image cytometry. RESULTS: With the type of histogram and value of entropy, two large groups with high and low degrees of malignancy were obtained. Survival tons utilized as a variable of interest. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for both groups were formulated, and the results were supported with statistical data. CONCLUSION: The survival differences between both groups were statistically significant (P <.001), thus demonstrating the predictive value of DNA quantification.