Image analysis of DNA content and nuclear morphometry for predicting radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Objective: To investigate the relationship among nuclear DNA content, nuclear morphology, clinical response, and radiosensitivity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and the suitability of image cytometric analysis of DNA content and nuclear morphology for predicting radiosensitivity of NPC prior to radiotherapy.

Study Design: Nuclear DNA content and morphology features were detected by image cytometric analysis in 51 biopsy specimens of NPC prior to radiotherapy. The radiotherapeutic effect experienced by the NPC patients was classified as CR (complete response [i.e., complete tumor disappearance]) and PR (partial response [i.e., residual tumor]) according to pathologic analysis of tumor specimens after completion of the scheduled treatment.

Results: The mean DNA index; the percentage of cells with the DNA pattern of 2C, 5C, aneuploidy respectively; the mean nuclear area; the mean nuclear perimeter and the mean nuclear diameter in the CR group were significantly higher than they were in the PR group.

Conclusion: DNA content and nuclear morphometry by image cytometric analysis were significantly correlated with patient outcome and radiosensitivity of NPC. Other measurements of more biomarkers for predicting the radiosensitivity of NPC await further study.