Expression of the apoptosis-related oncogenes bcl-2, bax, and p53 in Merkel cell carcinoma: can they predict treatment response and clinical outcome?

摘要: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy act predominantly through the induction of apoptosis in malignancies. Merkel cell carcinoma, an aggressive malignancy with prominent apoptosis, has proved to be sensitive both modes a certain degree. We used immunohistochemical methods examine 25 carcinomas 8 their lymph node metastases assess status antiapoptotic gene bcl-2 2 proapoptotic genes, wild-type p53 bax. All tumors showed bax immunopositivity; 76% were positive for bcl-2, only 28% p53, latter presumably reflecting mutated p53. No statistically significant relationship was found between tumor immunopositivity response or survival. The widespread apparently low rate mutations, as suggested by immunopositivity, may related presence carcinoma. finding suggests that some cells resistant apoptosis-inducing agents.