Detection of Bcl-2 translocation in pancreatic cancer in Iranian patients

Background and Purpose: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Considering the role of Bcl-2 family gene in apoptosis that are known to be over-expressed in most cancers, this study focused on the detection of Bcl-2 translocation t(14;18) to the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) that may contribute to the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer. Â Materials and Methods: Forty-nine samples of paraffin embedded tissues (extracted from 1537 slides of 105 patients in one of the major local cancer centers) were investigated for detection of Bcl-2 translocation t(14;18) by standard PCR. Results: The Bcl-2 t(14;18) translocation was detected in 23 of all 49 patients (46.9), including 10 of 23 translocated patients (43) with break points within the mbr cluster, 11 with involvement of the mcr locus (48), and 2 in the icr locus (9). Discussion: Detection of Bcl2 translocation in pancreatic cancer is in agreement with results from other studies, and shows this rearrangement could be considered as a new treatment strategy based on apoptosis or personalized treatment. Â Keywords: apoptosis, Bcl-2 translocation, pancreatic cancer,paraffin embedded tissue, personalized treatment, polymerase chain reaction