p53 and Bcl-2 protein expression and its relationship with prognosis in small-cell lung cancer.

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a poor prognosis despite good initial response to chemotherapy. Therefore, it is important to identify molecular markers that might influence survival and serve as potential therapeutic targets. Previous studies have demonstrated immunohistochemical expression of p53 and Bcl-2 in approximately 40%-90% and 55%-90% of patients with SCLC, respectively, but its relationship with prognosis remains controversial.