Apoptotic index and bcl-2 expression as prognostic factors in colorectal carcinoma.

Objectives: To examine programmed cell death in 57 colorectal carcinomas (49 primary tumours and 8 metastases) and determine the prognostic significance of apoptosis in colorectal cancer.

Methods: Apoptotic index (AI) was ascertained by counting apoptotic bodies, using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated digoxigenin nick end labelling (Tunel assay) and the expression of bcl-2 was examined immunohistochemically. Statistical analysis was used to test the value of clinical variables, histopathological data, AI and bcl-2 expression in predicting the clinical outcome of these patients and the survival function was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results: AI was found to have a significant independent effect on survival (p = 0.0006), with lower values of AI conveying better survival.

Conclusion: In summary, these findings reveal that AI is a useful prognostic factor in colorectal carcinoma.