Bcl-2 expression as a prognostic factor of survival of gastric carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

Although the bcl-2 proto-oncogene is important in determining tumor cell susceptibility to apoptosis, no data about the clinical importance in gastric cancer are available.

METHODS

We analyzed bcl-2 and p53 expression, proliferative activity, and tumor apoptosis in locally advanced gastric carcinomas from 84 patients.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that 41.7% and 48.8% of the tumors were bcl-2-positive, respectively. The apoptotic fraction was significantly lower in bcl-2-positive than negative tumors. Univariate analysis indicated low apoptotic fraction was one of the poor prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis showed a trend toward improved survival in bcl-2-positive patients. In patients with lymph node metastases more severe than group 2 lymph node, survival was significantly longer in those with bcl-2-positive tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of bcl-2 and the high apoptotic fraction were concluded to be important prognostic factors of survival in patients with advanced gastric cancer.