DNA cytometry
DNA cytometry is a method for the early diagnosis of malignant tumors by measuring the content of genetic material ( DNA ) in their cells. In addition, the method can also be for determining the malignancy ( malignancy some tumors are used). The biological basis is the fact that most malignant tumors show disturbances in the number of their chromosomes per cell nucleus (chromosomal aneuploidy ). The more malignant a tumor, the more pronounced these chromosomal aberrations are . The measurement of the DNA content is done z. B. by means of digital image analysis in a computer-coupled light microscope by determining the optical density and size of the cell nuclei after specific staining of their DNA (image cytometry). Both cell and tissue samples can be used as examination materials. Alternatively, the DNA content of cells can also be measured in liquids after staining with fluorescent dyes ( flow cytometry ). Application examples are the early detection of cervical or oral cavity cancer on mucous membrane swabs or the determination of the degree of malignancy of carcinomas of the prostate .
Web links
Prostate Cancer - Avoiding Over-Therapy With New DNA Technology
Individual evidence
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↑ Image cytometry:
Procedure for measuring cells or their components on digital microscopic images, mostly for the purpose of cancer diagnosis. With methods of image analysis, sizes, shapes and optical densities are determined. For example: measuring the content of genetic material in the nuclei of cells (DNA image cytometry) from swabs from the oral mucosa for the early detection of oral cancer or from biopsies from a prostate carcinoma for the purpose of determining its degree of malignancy (DNA malignancy grading). Specific staining of the genetic material (Feulgen staining) is a prerequisite for DNA image cytometry.
