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bcl-2 protein in non-small-cell lung carcinoma
1Leukaemia Research Fund Immunodiagnostics Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.
The New England Journal of Medicine
|September 2, 1993
Summary
The proto-oncogene bcl-2 is abnormally expressed in some lung cancers. bcl-2 positive tumors in patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma may indicate a better prognosis, especially in older patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Death Research
Background:
- The bcl-2 proto-oncogene encodes a protein that inhibits apoptosis.
- bcl-2 protein is normally found in basal cells of human epithelium.
- Limited data exist on bcl-2 expression frequency and clinical significance in carcinoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of bcl-2 expression in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).
- To correlate bcl-2 expression with patient survival in NSCLC.
- To assess the prognostic importance of bcl-2 in lung cancer.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis using a monoclonal antibody specific for bcl-2.
- Tumor samples from 122 NSCLC patients (80 squamous cell carcinoma, 42 adenocarcinoma) were analyzed.
- Statistical analysis included log-rank test and hazard ratios to assess survival correlations.
Main Results:
- bcl-2 protein was detected in 25% of squamous cell carcinomas and 12% of adenocarcinomas.
- Adjacent normal epithelium showed bcl-2 expression only in basal cells.
- Five-year survival was higher in patients with bcl-2-positive tumors, particularly those aged 60+.
Conclusions:
- Abnormal bcl-2 expression occurs in a subset of lung carcinomas.
- bcl-2 expression demonstrates potential prognostic value in NSCLC.
- bcl-2 positivity may indicate a favorable prognosis, especially in elderly patients.