DNA proliferative index as a marker in Iraqi aneuploid mammary carcinoma.

This study estimated nuclear DNA ploidy and DNA proliferative indices (PI) in mammary ductal carcinomas from 120 Iraqi female patients. Of the examined specimens, 82.7% were aneuploid. DNA ploidy correlated significantly with histological grade and estrogen receptor content of the primary neoplasm. In aneuploid carcinomas, high PI showed a clearer association than aneuploidy with menopausal status and progesterone receptor content of the tumour. PI and percentage aneuploidy were higher in larger tumours; nodal status showed no association with these cytometric findings. Using PI, patients classified as having Auer aneuploid carcinomas can be divided into subsets with different tumour characteristics, thus improving the selection of those whose high risk, node-negative presentation makes them candidates for adjuvant systemic therapy.