Affiliations: Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty Zagreb,
Croatia | ENT Dept. Medical Faculty Zagreb, Croatia | ENT Dept. General Hospial Slavonski Brod,
Croatia
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Ass. Prof. Sven Seiwerth, M.D.,
Ph.D. Institute of Pathology Medical Faculty Zagreb Salata 10 Croatia
Abstract: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma a is a heterogeneous group of
cancer. The prognosis of patients correlates with various prognostic factors.
The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic significance of nucleolar
organizer regions (AgNORs) and abnormal cellular DNA content in laryngeal
squamous cell carcinoma patients in association with other known prognostic
factors. The present study included 62 male patients, aged 36 to 77 years
suffering from laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and undergoing total
laryngectomy. Tissue samples were routinely processed and stained for AgNORs.
Flow cytometric analysis was performed on tissue samples from the same paraffin
blocks which were used for AgNORs investigation. Counting of AgNORs was carried
out using a semiautomatic, PC based system (SFORM, VAMS). Statistical analysis
was performed using Statistical for Windows 5.0. The pT and pN stages were
statistically significantly associated with the survival , computed by Log rank
test and Cox Mantel test.In addition, there was a statistically
significant correlation of the pT stage with: mean number of AgNOR/100 nuclei,
ploidy status, S phase and N stage, respectively. The lymph node involvement
correlated with the mean number of AgNORs/100 nuclei. The histological grade
showed a correlation with: mean AgNOR area, mean number of AgNORs/100 nuclei
and mean number of AgNORs/ nucleus, and the DNA ploidy and mean AgNOR count.
The results of this study indicate the use of DNA content and AgNORs in tumor
cells as additional prognostic parameters in patients with laryngeal squamous
cell carcinoma.
Keywords: prognosis, Laryngeal carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, AgNOR, DNA cytometry
