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Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research
Published in: Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Review

Bcl-2 expression predicts sensitivity to chemotherapy in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Dong Yang, Min-Bin Chen, Li-Qiang Wang, Lan Yang, Chao-Ying Liu, Pei-Hua Lu

Published in: Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

Numerous studies have yielded inconclusive results regarding the relationship between anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 expression and the sensitivity to chemotherapy in the patients with breast cancer. The purpose of the current study was therefore to elaborate their relationship.

Methods, findings

A total of 23 previously published eligible studies involving 2,467 cases were identified and included in this meta-analysis. Negative Bcl-2 expression was associated with good chemotherapy response in breast cancer patients (total objective response [OR]: risk ratio [RR] = 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.32, p = 0.026; total complete response [CR]: RR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.24-2.24, p = 0.001; pathological CR: RR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.38-2.69, p < 0.001). In further stratified analyses, this association remained for sub-groups of response in neoadjuvant chemotherapy setting, especially pathological CR. Besides, negative Bcl-2 expression was significantly associated with good OR and pathological CR in anthracycline-based chemotherapy subgroup. Furthermore, there were significant links between negative Bcl-2 expression and taxane-based chemotherapy with pathological CR, but not OR.

Conclusion

The results of the present meta-analysis suggest that Bcl-2 expression is a predictive factor for chemotherapy sensitivity in breast cancer patients. They could also potentially benefit further clinical treatment for breast cancers.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Bcl-2 expression predicts sensitivity to chemotherapy in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors
Dong Yang
Min-Bin Chen
Li-Qiang Wang
Lan Yang
Chao-Ying Liu
Pei-Hua Lu
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1756-9966
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-9966-32-105

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