The prognostic influence of bcl-2 in malignant glioma.
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.
McDonald
F E
FE
Northern Centre for Cancer Treatment, Newcastle General Hospital, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6BE, UK. fionamcdonald@nuth.northy.nhs.uk
Ironside
J W
JW
Gregor
A
A
Wyatt
B
B
Stewart
M
M
Rye
R
R
Adams
J
J
Potts
H W W
HW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005910:Glioma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D015996:Survival Rate
D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2