The value of serum bcl-2 levels in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the value of serum bcl-2 levels in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer patients. Twenty-two patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma pathologically verified were investigated. Serum samples were obtained on the first admission before the chemotherapeutic treatment were given. Serum bcl-2 protein was determined by using ELISA. The baseline serum bcl-2 levels were significantly higher in patients with ovarian cancer than in the control group (p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of serum bcl-2 were determined as 100% and 78%, respectively. None of the prognostic parameters analyzed such as age of patient, stage of disease, serum CA-125, albumin, hemoglobin, LDH, and response to chemotherapy was significantly correlated with bcl-2 serum concentrations. No prognostic value of serum bcl-2 was determined. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that decreased apoptosis occurred due to the effect of serum bcl-2 elevation in advanced ovarian cancer patients. Also, serum bcl-2 level was a diagnostic but not a prognostic value in ovarian cancer. However, much researchs still continues in this field, and exciting new knowledge will ultimately emerge.