The Prognostic Value of DNA Ploidy Determination in Endometrial Cancer

Aneuploidy, defined as an abnormal quantity of DNA in cells nuclei, is the most frequently observed genetic abnormality in cancer cells. Alterations in cell cycle control and chromosomal missegregation very often result in the accumulation of excess genetic material. These genetic reassortments simultaneously imbalance lots of structural and regulatory proteins. This chromosomal instability may be associated with mutations in tumor suppressor genes or loss of function of mismatch repair genes. These are common pathways of cancerogenesis in endometrial cancer. Endometrial cancer represents the most common female genital tract malignancy and is generally associated with favourable outcomes for affected patients. Despite this, recurrence rates and diseaserelated deaths are consistently reported in published series, also in so-defined low-risk groups of patients. Hence, is reasonable to believe that traditional prognostic factors–surgical stage, histologic type, tumor grading, myometrial deep of invasion, involvement of vascular spaces–do not definitely respond to the clinical needs of a comprehensive management. The determination of DNA ploidy in endometrial cancer has been widely investigated in the last decades and clear evidence is available of its direct correlation with prognosis. Despite this, poor acceptance and skepticism are common believes in the scientific community. Aim of the paper has been the attempt to underline, upon scientific strength, the importance and clinical potential usefulness of this determination in gynecological oncological practice.