Cell kinetic and cytological grading of prostatic carcinoma.

In 69 cases of prostatic carcinomas The 3H-thymidine labelling index was studied, and a cytological analysis was performed in addition to the histological classification. The following cytological variables were measured: nuclear size and shape, nuclear-cytoplasmic-ratio, nuclear chromasia, size and form of nucleoli. Only prostatic carcinomas with a labelling index of less than 0.4% showed mild nuclear anaplasia. These carcinomas were histologically classified as well differentiated adenocarcinomas. Prostatic carcinomas with a labelling index from 0.4% to 1.0% showed moderate nuclear anaplasia. These carcinomas were poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas. Carcinomas with labeling indices between 1.4 and 2.3% had moderate - marked nuclear anaplasia and exhibited a transition to undifferentiated carcinomas. Carcinomas with a labelling index higher than 2.3% were cribriform and undifferentiated carcinomas with marked nuclear anaplasia. The present studies have shown a correlation between both histological classification and cytological appearances with indicators of cell kinetics.U