Expression and prognostic significance of Bcl-2 and Bax in the progression and clinical outcome of transitional bladder cell carcinoma

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the mRNA expression ratio of Bcl-2/Bax both in normal and tumoral bladder tissues of patients with transitional cell carcinoma [TCC] of bladder and investigate potential correlation between this expression ratio and clinical outcome. In this experimental study, we used real time-PCR to investigate the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax both in normal and tumoral bladder tissues. The Bcl-2/Bax expression ratio was determined in tumoral bladder tissues of patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder [n=40] and correlation between expression ratios and the emergence of early relapses in a follow-up of 14-30 months was examined. Relapse-free time in 14/31 patients [45.16%] with Bcl-2/Bax>1 was shorter than 9 months [range of 2-9 months] with 5.7 months average median while 17/31 patients [54.84%] with Bcl-2/Bax<1 are currently relapse-free [14-30 months]. Bcl-2 and Bax expression levels were not solely correlated with clinical outcome and progression of carcinogenesis. The mRNA expression ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in tumoral bladder tissues may serve as a significant prognostic indicator in predicting the clinical outcome in low grade non-invasive bladder cancer