Endpoint markers for cancer chemoprevention trials derived from the lesion of precancer (intraepithelial neoplasia) measured by computer-assisted quantitative image analysis

J Cell Biochem Suppl. 2000:34:67-72. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4644(2000)77:34+<67::aid-jcb12>3.0.co;2-j.

Abstract

Endpoint markers for cancer chemoprevention clinical trials are described that are developed from the morphological properties of the precancerous lesion of intraepithelial neoplasia itself, as measured by computer-assisted quantitative image analysis. The markers include increased proliferative fraction (percentage MIB-1 positive nuclear area); nuclear DNA content (DNA ploidy), including DNA content exceeding fivefold the haploid amount (5C-exceeding rate); nuclear/nucleolar morphometry; and disorganization of nuclear chromatin pattern as characterized by Markovian parameters and other functions. A significant new advance in image analysis is the process of "tiling," in which hundreds of full monitor image fields of a given histological section at x40 magnification are reduced in size and fused seamlessly to produce a single image of the histological section at x1.25 magnification. The operator may review the low-power image and retrieve x40 magnification of any desired area by point/clicking with a mouse.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Chromatin / ultrastructure
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • DNA / analysis
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Microscopy / instrumentation
  • Microscopy / methods
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Precancerous Conditions / pathology*
  • Precancerous Conditions / therapy

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • DNA