Background & objective: The prognosis of stage I-II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after operation is related to many factors. Apoptosis-related oncogenes play an important role in occurrence and development of tumors. This study was to investigate the expression and prognostic significance of representative apoptosis-related oncogenes (Survivin, Bcl-2, Bax, and Fas) in stage I-II NSCLC.
Methods: The expression of Survivin, Bcl-2, Bax, and Fas in 115 specimens of stage I-II NSCLC and 20 specimens of non-tumor lung tissue were detected by SP immunohistochemistry.
Results: The positive rates of Survivin and Bcl-2 were significantly higher in NSCLC than in non-tumor lung tissues (62.61% vs. 10.00%, P<0.001; 49.57% vs. 15.00%, P<0.05); the positive rates of Bax and Fas were significantly lower in NSCLC than in non-tumor lung tissues (31.30% vs. 65.00%, P<0.05; 46.96% vs. 80.00%, P<0.05). TNM stage and positive expression of Survivin were independent prognostic factors of stage I-II NSCLC (P<0.01). The survival time of patients was significantly shorter in Survivin-positive group than in Survivin-negative group [(33+/-7) months vs. (52+/-9) months, P<0.05].
Conclusions: Apoptosis-related oncogenes may have some impacts on the occurrence and development of stage I-II NSCLC. TNM stage and positive expression of Survivin are independent prognostic factors.