Bcl-2 Blocks Cisplatin-Induced Apoptosis and Predicts Poor Outcome Following Chemoradiation Treatment in Advanced Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Immunohistochemical assessment of Bcl-2 in pretreatment biopsy specimens can predict response of advanced OPSCC to concurrent platinum-based chemoradiation. As treatments targeting Bcl-2 and its family members become available, this immunohistochemical assessment could help personalize therapy by identifying a subpopulation of patients with a poor prognosis who might benefit from such treatments.