bcl-2, p53, and response to tamoxifen in estrogen receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer: a Southwest Oncology Group study.

Abstract

p53 status, as determined by IHC is not significantly associated with response to tamoxifen, although tumors with altered p53 protein are inherently more aggressive. Contrary to expectation, high bcl-2 identifies a relatively indolent phenotype of ER-positive metastatic breast cancer, in which patients experience a better clinical response to tamoxifen and a longer survival.