Flow cytometric S-phase fraction in soft-tissue sarcoma: prognostic importance analysed in 160 patients

Summary, in English

We could determine the S-phase fraction (SPF) by flow cytometric DNA analysis of paraffin archival material in 160 of 260 patients with soft-tissue sarcoma of extremity and trunk wall. The prognostic value of SPF was compared with other clinicopathological factors. The median follow-up time was 16 (6-31) years. In a univariate analysis, deep tumour location, increasing tumour size and histological malignancy grade, microscopic tumour necrosis, vascular invasion, DNA non-diploidy and high SPF (>3.0%) were associated with poor metastasis-free survival. In a multivariate analysis, microscopic tumour necrosis and high SPF were independently prognostic for metastasis. Used in combination with tumour size, microscopic tumour necrosis and vascular invasion, SPF could identify a group of patients with a 5-year metastasis-free survival rate of 0.97. This group constituted one-quarter of all patients. Patients with low SPF who did recur had a prolonged clinical course both as regards metastases and local recurrence. We conclude that SPF is a valuable adjunct in prognostication in soft-tissue sarcoma.

• Author: Pelle Gustafson; Mårten Fernö; Måns Åkerman; Bo Baldetorp; H Willen; Dick Killander; Anders Rydholm
• Department/s: Orthopaedics (Lund); Breastcancer-genetics; Tumor microenvironment
• Publishing year: 1997
• Language: English
• Pages: 94-100
• Publication/Series: British Journal of Cancer
• Volume: 75
• Issue: 1
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• Topic: Cancer and Oncology
• Keywords: Soft tissue; Sarcoma; S Phase; Flow cytometry; Cell cycle; DNA; Ploidy; Prognosis; Human; Malignant tumor
• Status: Published
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 1532-1827