DNA measurement--an objective predictor of response to irradiation? A review of 24 squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity.

DNA measurements on biopsy material from 24 squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity given preoperative radiotherapy indicate that DNA aneuploid tumours respond better to radiotherapy than do diploid and polyploid tumours. The mean S-phase value was higher (16.1%) for 8 tumours that were eradicated by preoperative radiotherapy than for 13 that did not respond (8.1%). These factors correlated better with the response than did histological and clinical (T) classifications. DNA-ploidy and S-phase estimation can complement the histological diagnosis, and may prove valuable when planning treatment.