Chondrosarcoma is the second most frequent primary malignant
tumor of bone. Many of these
tumors represent histopathologic borderline cases. In this study,
DNA ploidy status, 2c deviation index (2cDI), and
DNA malignancy grade (
DNA-MG; based on the variation of nuclear
DNA content of
tumor cells around the normal
DNA [2c] peak) were examined for their diagnostic and prognostic value in comparison with conventional histopathologic grading. Twenty-two
paraffin-embedded samples were available for histopathologic investigation and for quantitative cytophotometric
DNA determination of Feulgen-stained nuclei. Clinicopathologic parameters and prognosis were analyzed over a maximum follow-up period of 252 months. Nineteen of 22 (86%)
chondrosarcomas showed
aneuploid DNA content. 2cDI (r =.58, P <.01) and
DNA-MG (r =.58; P <.01) correlate with the histopathologic grading. Significant correlation between the 2cDI (P <.01) and
DNA-MG (P <.025) and the overall survival was found. Ploidy did not influence the overall survival rate. In
metastasis-free patients, the 2cDI and
DNA-MG gave better prognostic information than conventional histopathologic grading. When patients developed
metastasis, however, histopathologic grading was the prognostic parameter of choice. Cytometric
DNA measurement provide additional objective information regarding the diagnosis and prognosis of
chondrosarcomas, even more than that obtained by conventional histopathologic grading, and may be helpful in planning the treatment.