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J Clin Pathol 2005;58:590-594 doi:10.1136/jcp.2004.021220
  • Original article

Markers of apoptosis in stage IB squamous cervical carcinoma

  1. G Van de Putte1,
  2. R Holm2,
  3. A K Lie2,
  4. M Baekelandt1,
  5. G B Kristensen1
  1. 1Department of Gynaecological Oncology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Montebello, 0310 Oslo, Norway
  2. 2Department of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital
  1. Correspondence to:
 Dr G Van de Putte
 Department of Gynaecological Oncology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Montebello, 0310 Oslo, Norway; gregg.marijkepandora.be
  • Accepted 4 December 2004

Abstract

Aims: To examine the prognostic relevance of the expression of the Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bax proteins in stage IB squamous cervical carcinoma (SCC).

Methods: In total, 220 patients who underwent radical hysterectomy and bilateral lymphadenectomy at the Norwegian Radium Hospital for stage IB SCC between 1987 and 1993 were studied. Immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies against Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bax was used to examine protein expression. Ten patients who underwent hysterectomy for uterine prolapse served as controls.

Results: Cytoplasmic expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bax was low (< 5% positive cells) in 159 of 220 (73%), 193 of 220 (87%), and 39 of 220 (18%) tumours, respectively, and high (≥ 5% positive cells) in 61 of 220 (27%), 27 of 220 (13%), and 181 of 220 (82%) tumours, respectively. In univariate analysis, all classic clinicopathological parameters but none of the investigated proteins were associated with prognosis. In multivariate analysis, only deep stromal invasion was independently related to survival.

Conclusion: Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bax were not independently associated with prognosis in stage IB SCC.

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