Evaluation of t(14;18)(q32;q21) and BCL2 protein and their prognostic role in follicular lymphoma

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura - Egypt.

2 Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha - Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Previous reports have suggested the significant association of t(14;18) (q32;q21) and follicular lymphoma (FL). However, little information is available in the literature on the relationship between BCL2 protein, BCL2 gene status in FL and the patient outcomes. Also, understanding of IGH/BCL2 molecular rearrangement using real time PCR (RT-PCR), in follicular lymphoma in relation to survival might provide a more accurate and rational method of risk stratification to guide treatment and might suggest new therapeutic approaches as well. Methods: This study evaluated the relative frequency of t(14;18) by RT-PCR and its apoptosis-related BCL2 protein expression by an immunohistochemical assay (IHC) in fifty FL cases in tissues. In addition, we evaluated the relation of BCL2 protein expression to the translocation, together with the relation of both t(14;18) and BCL2 protein expression to the clinico-pathological features and survival data including progression free survival (PFS); and overall survival (OS) in order to evaluate their prognostic role in FL. Results & conclusion: There was a significant association of the t(14;18) with BCL2 protein expression, grading of FL, and the OS. In addition, there was a significant association of BCL2 protein expression with the grading of FL, OS, International Prognostic Index (IPI) score and performance status. However no significant association of t(14;18) or BCL2 protein expression with the other clinico-pathological features, and PFS.

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