Prognostic value from DNA quantification by static cytometry in breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE To determine if DNA quantification on fine needle aspiration (FNA) has predictive value in breast cancer. STUDY DESIGN Forty-nine patients with breast cancer were selected for this study because of their common characteristics. The smears were studied using image cytometry. RESULTS With the type of histogram and value of entropy, two large groups, with high and low degrees of malignancy, were obtained. Survival was utilized as a variable of interest. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for both groups were formulated, and the results were supported with statistical data. CONCLUSION The survival differences between both groups were statistically significant (P < .001), thus demonstrating the predictive value of DNA quantification.