Bcl-2 is an independent prognostic factor and adds to a biological model for predicting outcome in operable non-small cell lung cancer.
BACKGROUND
The underlying biology of a tumour may hold the key to predicting the outcome for an individual patient as well as identifying potential therapeutic targets. Using epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 immunoexpression combined with microvessel counts we have developed a prognostic model for operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which predicts outcome independent of stage (Thorax, 56 (2001) 561-566). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of bcl-2 expression upon survival in this model.


METHODS
This was a retrospective analysis of 167 patients with resected stage I-IIIa NSCLC and >60 days post-operative survival. Minimum follow-up was 2 years. Immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin-embedded tissue sections for bcl-2, EGFR, MMP-9 and the microvessel marker CD34 to evaluate the relationships between, and impact on survival of these biological markers.


RESULTS
Tumour cell MMP-9 (P=0.002), microvessel count > median (P=0.01), bcl-2 (P=0.02) and stage (P=0.02) were independent prognostic factors. Bcl-2 expression was associated with an improved survival in all sub-groups of our prognostic model.


CONCLUSIONS
bcl-2, EGFR and MMP-9 expression and angiogenesis provide prognostic information independent of TNM stage. Prognostic models offer the potential of tailoring the therapeutic management for an individual patient.
Cox
G
G
Department of Medical Oncology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Welford Road, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK
Louise Jones
J
J
Andi
A
A
Abrams
K R
KR
O'Byrne
K J
KJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging / Q000379:methods; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D016016:Proportional Hazards Models; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases