The role of Bcl-2 family members in non-small cell lung cancer.

The treatment of advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) continues to pose great challenges for the thoracic surgeon. Current therapeutic strategies with chemotherapy and radiation are often ineffective adjuncts to surgery. Accordingly, preclinical research concentration has turned to molecular targets that may prove to be more effective. The Bcl-2 family consists of a homologous network of genes that regulate apoptosis or programmed cell death. Altered expression of members in this family leads to aberrant cell proliferation and malignant growth. This review will discuss the expression and significance of Bcl-2 family members in NSCLC and consider potential methods of intervention that are currently being tested and may have clinical applicability. In addition, the current experience with clinical trials involving Bcl-2 down-regulation in solid organ tumors will be summarized.