DNA content and cell kinetics in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region

Cooke, Lynn Denise (1992) DNA content and cell kinetics in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Abstract

This thesis describes a series of studies of DNA ploidy and cell kinetics measured using flow cytometry and in vivo incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Patient groups were carefully selected for site and stage of disease and treatment modality.

No correlation was found between ploidy and host factors (age, sex, performance status) nor consistently with tumour factors (site, stage, histological grading). Patients with end-stage cancer treated by chemotherapy had a better survival if their tumour was aneuploid. Ploidy did not affect survival in any other patient group nor influence response to radiotherapy. Cell kinetic measurements (labelling index, duration of S phase, potential doubling time) were neither related to tumour factors nor preliminary survival data.

Cell kinetic and DNA ploidy measurements give limited prognostic information for patients with head and neck cancer but may be the basis for the selection of patients for cytostatic therapy and further our understanding of the biology of the disease.

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