Increased bcl-2/bax ratio in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia is associated with a progressive pattern of disease.

In order to evaluate clinical implications of altered expression of bcl-2 and bax proteins in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) we studied 27 patients with this disease. Cytofluorometric levels of bcl-2 did not reflect the status of disease. In contrast bax expression was lower in progressive than in non-progressive disease, therefore leading to a higher bcl-2/bax ratio in patients of the former group. If confirmed in longitudinal studies, quantitative cytofluorometric evaluation of bcl-2 and bax protein might help to identify patients with progressive disease who could possibly benefit from early therapy.