Prognostic value of flow cytometric DNA ploidy in colorectal cancer

Several studies demonstrated that flow cytometric nuclear DNA content and Mismatch Repair (MMR) status are relevant prognostic factors in colorectal cancer (CRC). It has also been suggested that the prognostic value of DNA ploidy is mainly determined by its relationship with MMR status. Aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of DNA ploidy in a large series of CRCs, characterized for several clinical and pathologic variables and MMR status. Results demonstrate that DNA ploidy is related to pathologic and molecular features in CRC and suggest that flow cytometric nuclear DNA content analysis provides prognostic information additional to MMR status