Flow cytometric DNA characteristics of radiation colitis--a preliminary study.

Abstract

The DNA status of 12 rectal biopsies, taken during the investigation of radiation proctitis, was investigated. Of these six were in the acute phase and six in the chronic phase. All of the acute biopsies had diploid DNA, despite bizarre histological epithelial cell appearances. Two of the chronic phase biopsies were to have aneuploid DNA profiles. This finding may be relevant to the increased risk of malignancy in irradiated tissues.