Prognostic significance of B-cell lymphoma 2 expression in acute leukemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: Molecular and clinical oncology Vol. 2; no. 3; pp. 411 - 414
• Main Authors: LIU, YANFENG, HE, PENGCHENG, LIU, FENG, SHI, LILI, ZHU, HUACHAO, CHENG, XIAOYAN, ZHAO, JING, WANG, YUAN, ZHANG, MEI
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England D.A. Spandidos 01.05.2014; Spandidos Publications; Spandidos Publications UK Ltd
• Subjects: acute leukemia; B-cell lymphoma 2 protein; Bias; Cancer; Clinical significance; Development and progression; Gene expression; Genetic aspects; Health aspects; Leukemia; Lymphoma; Medical prognosis; Meta-analysis; Multivariate analysis; Oncogenes; Oncology; Patients; Proteins; Software; Statistical analysis; Studies; Survival analysis; United States > US; meta-analysis; B-cell lymphoma 2 protein; clinical significance; acute leukemia
• ISSN: 2049-9450; 2049-9469
• DOI: 10.3892/mco.2014.248

A number of studies have provided estimates of the correlation between B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression and its clinical significance in acute leukemia (AL); however, the results have been heterogeneous. In order to clarify the prognostic significance of Bcl-2 status in patients with AL, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 5 published studies including a total of 665 subjects was performed. The reported frequency of Bcl-2 expression was 0-99.00%. Bcl-2-positive patients had a higher median white blood cell count compared to Bcl-2-negative patients. Additionally, Bcl-2-negative patients had >2-fold higher odds of achieving complete remission (CR) compared to Bcl-2-positive patients. The summary hazard ratio of Bcl-2 negativity/positivity for CR was 0.62 [95% confidence interval: 0.53-0.81, P<0.001]. Although this meta-analysis was based on data abstracted from observational studies, our results may justify the use of risk-adapted therapeutic strategies for AL according to the Bcl-2 expression status.