Abstract
The bcl-2 gene is one of a complex group of genes which control programmed cell death. Bcl-2 acts to extend cell survival by blocking apoptosis, and thereby may influence tumour prognosis. This study of 187 high grade gliomas reviews clinicopathological prognostic features and the relationship to bcl-2 expression. Bcl-2 immunostaining was assessed in 159 specimens from these patients, by scoring systems of 0 to 3 for intensity of scoring and proportion of cells staining. Age, histology, pre- and post-operative performance status were found to be strongly predictive of survival (log rank test P<0.0001). The type of surgery performed did not influence survival in this group of patients. The expression of bcl-2 had a significant relationship with survival (univariate Cox model P=0.0302, hazard ratio 0.8, 95% confidence interval 0.65-0.98), with increased staining associated with improved survival. Multivariate analysis showed performance status, histology and proportion of cells staining for bcl-2 to be independently predictive of survival. Bcl-2 staining was not related to histological grade of tumours.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1899-904 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | British Journal of Cancer |
| Volume | 86 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 17 Jun 2002 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Biopsy
- Brain Neoplasms
- Child
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Glioma
- Humans
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Prognosis
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
- Survival Rate