Validity of Flow Cytometric DNA and RNA Analysis in Colon Cancer Cells in Comparison with Histopathological Factors

The nucleolar DNA and RNA content were analyzed by using flow cytometry in 62 patients with colon cancer. The DNA and RNA index (DI-RI) and ploidy patterns were compared with clinicopathological findings and vascular structures. The significances of evaluating DNA and RNA contents were clarified in association with biologic characteristics of colon cancer. Simultaneous analysis in DNA and RNA content was attempted by using AO staining in 43 patients with colon cancer and DNA analysis was performed by using PI staing in 19 patients with colon cancer. Availability of AO staining for DNA analysis is equivalent to that of PI staining. RNA analysis is of great use to discriminate cancer cells from normal cells. Cell differentiation is well correlated with the frequence of aneuploidy patterns. And also the histologic findings of the disease stage such as the depth, node metastasis, vascular invasion and hepatic metastasis were significantly correlated with DI, RI and ploidy patterns. According to Dukes classification, high values of DI and RI with ploidy pattern were demonstrated with advances in the disease stage. In conclusion, evaluation of nuclear DNA in addition to RNA contents is of great benefit in making a precise diagnosis and in applying to an effective therapy