摘要：

BackgroundThe bcl-2 oncoprotein serves a regulatory function in permitting several cell types to die in an apoptotic process. Its overexpression probably plays a role in tumorigenesis and tumor development. The aim of this study was to determine the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of the bcl-2 oncoprotein in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsImmunostaining for bcl-2 oncoprotein was performed on 182 operable NSCLCs.ResultsThirty-six patients (19.8%) showed a positive immunostaining for bcl-2 oncoprotein. Histologically, its incidence was higher in squamous cell carcinomas (29.6%). Its expression status was inversely correlated with tumor development-associated parameters such as tumor stage in NSCLCs, especially in squamous cell carcinomas. bcl-2 positive patients with NSCLCs, especially squamous cell carcinomas, showed better overall survival and disease-free survival (DFS). In a multivariate analysis, this oncoprotein status had prognostic value in DFS for NSCLCs and in overall survival for squamous cell carcinomas. The recurrence of bcl-2 positive NSCLCs was significantly uncommon in distant extrathoracic organs.ConclusionsThe expression of bcl-2 oncoprotein in NSCLCs may be an early event of tumor development, especially in squamous cell carcinomas, and may be of importance in determining tumor progression and prognosis. J. Surg. Oncol. 64:48–54 © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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