DNA content is associated with malignancy of intracranial neoplasms

ObjectiveFlow cytometry has been applied to analyze the DNA-content distribution of tumors, in order to relate this to clinical and biological parameters of tumor behavior. Herewith, we investigated the value of cell cycle analysis in the characterization of intracranial lesions and its possible prognostic role.MethodsDNA analysis was performed in tumor samples that were taken during surgery over a five year period. Diagnosed tumors were graded according to the World Health Organization 2007 classification scheme.ResultsFifty-six patients were included in the study. There was a significant difference in G0/G1 phase and S-phase between low-grade and high-grade gliomas. There were 12 (57%) diploid and 9 (43%) aneuploid tumors. All aneuploid tumors were glioblastomas. Patients with G0/G1 value ≤69% and S phase value greater than 6% were associated with worse survival. As regards meningiomas, there was a significant difference in G0/G1 phase, S phase and mitoses fraction between benign and both atypical and anaplastic meningiomas. Aneuploidy was observed in the anaplastic tumors and in 2/4 atypical meningiomas.ConclusionThe results of the present study, showed that cell cycle analysis could differentiate low from high grade gliomas and benign from atypical/anaplastic meningiomas. Furthermore, a prognostic significance was found in glioma patients. The role of cell cycle analysis in brain tumors thus warrants further investigation.