[DNA ploidy in astrocytoma. Study in 66 Brazilian patients]. / Ploidia de DNA em astrocitomas. Estudo em 66 pacientes brasileiros.

The determination of the nuclear DNA content (S-phase fraction (SPF) and ploidy) was carried out by image analysis (IA). The morphometric and densitometric features of Feulgen-stained nuclei were determined from stored formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens of 66 patients with intracranial astrocytomas. Our results suggest a strong relationship between patient age, histological grade, survival and DNA ploidy and SPF. The analysis of the proliferative activity of intracranial astrocytomas is very helpful in understanding biological stractification and prognostication to assess tumor behaviour and planning of treatment strategies.