DNA Ploidy and S-Phase in Melanoma as Prognostic Factors
Author Information
Author(s): M. Karlsson, B. Boeryd, J. Carstensen, B. Kagedal, A. Ternesten Bratel, S. Wingren
Primary Institution: University Hospital, Linkoping and Sahlgrens Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
Hypothesis
Do DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction provide prognostic information for stage III melanoma patients?
Conclusion
Patients with DNA aneuploid primary melanoma or a high S-phase fraction have an unfavorable post-recurrence prognosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with diploid melanomas had a median post-recurrence survival time of 45 months compared to 18 months for aneuploid tumors.
- The S-phase fraction was found to be a significant prognostic variable.
- Longer time to first metastasis was associated with better survival outcomes.
Takeaway
This study looked at how the DNA makeup of melanoma tumors can help predict how long patients will live after their cancer comes back.
Methodology
The study analyzed 82 patients with stage III melanoma using DNA flow cytometry to classify tumors and assess survival correlations.
Limitations
The study did not find significant differences in some demographic factors between treatment groups, and the follow-up period varied.
Participant Demographics
Patients were treated at two hospitals in Sweden, with no significant differences in sex, age, or tumor characteristics between groups.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P = 0.006 for time to first metastasis, P = 0.011 for ploidy, P = 0.017 for S-phase fraction.
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