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Exposure to heavy-ion radiation overcomes tumor radioresistance caused by Bcl-2 overexpressionJun. 16, 2008This is the first study to demonstrate that heavy ions overcome tumor radioresistance caused by Bcl-2 overexpression. The overexpression of antiapoptotic oncoprotein Bcl-2 is found in nearly half of human cancers. For example, Bcl-2 is overexpressed in 50-100% of colorectal cancer, 60-80% of breast cancer, and 65% of melanoma. There is ample evidence that Bcl-2 overexpression has been associated with the resistance to conventional photons and chemotherapeutic agents. Here we investigated the potential impact of heavy ions on Bcl-2 overexpressing tumors. Similar survival was obtained following exposure to heavy ions regardless of Bcl-2 overexpression, while Bcl-2 overexpressing tumors were more resistant to photons. Thus, heavy-ion therapy may be a promising modality for Bcl-2 overexpressing radioresistant tumors. |
