Prognostic significance of bcl-2 expression in resected pN2 non-small cell lung cancer

Aims: The prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer with pathologic mediastinal lymph node involvement (pN2) is poor, we wished to study the expression of p53, bcl-2 by immunohistochemistry in a series of such patients. Methods: Clinicopathologic factors were investigated in relation to prognosis in 60 patients with resected pN2 non-small cell lung cancer. Results: The 5-year survival rate was 21.7%. Positive staining for p53, and bcl-2 was found in 29/60 and 12/60, respectively. Patients with bcl-2 positive tumor had a more favorable survival than those with bcl-2 negative tumor (P=0.0054). The expression of p53 was not related to patientsʹ survival. Multivariate analysis showed that Bcl-2 expression and single N2 station were independent prognostic factors. Conclusions: Patients with bcl-2 positive tumors may comprise a favorable prognostic subgroup in pN2 non-small cell lung cancer.