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BCL2 Biological Pathways Reviews

Videos

Asher Chanan-Khan, MD
Videos
11/14/2022
Asher Chanan-Khan, MD, argues in favor of BTK inhibitors over BCL-2 inhibitors for the frontline treatment of patients with CLL in a debate at the 2022 Lymphoma, Leukemia & Myeloma Congress.
Asher Chanan-Khan, MD, argues in favor of BTK inhibitors over BCL-2 inhibitors for the frontline treatment of patients with CLL in a debate at the 2022 Lymphoma, Leukemia & Myeloma Congress.
Asher Chanan-Khan, MD, argues in...
11/14/2022
Oncology
Jonathan Kaufman, MD, Talks Targeting BCL-2 With Venetoclax and Dexamethasone in R/R MM
Videos
05/11/2021
Jonathan Kaufman, MD, discusses his study about targeting BCL-2 with venetoclax and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory MM.
Jonathan Kaufman, MD, discusses his study about targeting BCL-2 with venetoclax and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory MM.
Jonathan Kaufman, MD, discusses...
05/11/2021
Oncology
C. Ola Landgren, MD, PhD
Videos
03/21/2025
C. Ola Landgren, MD, PhD shares updates on improvements in cancer outcomes, including prolonged survival and tolerability, for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are transplant-ineligible.
C. Ola Landgren, MD, PhD shares updates on improvements in cancer outcomes, including prolonged survival and tolerability, for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are transplant-ineligible.
C. Ola Landgren, MD, PhD shares...
03/21/2025
Oncology
Matthew Powell, MD
Conference Coverage
03/20/2025
Matthew Powell, MD, discusses results from the KEYLINK-001 study which demonstrated that the addition of pembrolizumab and olaparib to standard therapy improved progression-free survival among patients with advanced BRCA non-mutated...
Matthew Powell, MD, discusses results from the KEYLINK-001 study which demonstrated that the addition of pembrolizumab and olaparib to standard therapy improved progression-free survival among patients with advanced BRCA non-mutated...
Matthew Powell, MD, discusses...
03/20/2025
Oncology
Allison Brodsky, MD
Conference Coverage
03/20/2025
Allison Brodsky, MD, discusses translational results from the phase 1b COPANIRA trial which assessed the relationship between molecular profiling and response to copanlisib and niraparib among patients with recurrent ovarian and endometrial...
Allison Brodsky, MD, discusses translational results from the phase 1b COPANIRA trial which assessed the relationship between molecular profiling and response to copanlisib and niraparib among patients with recurrent ovarian and endometrial...
Allison Brodsky, MD, discusses...
03/20/2025
Oncology
Toon Van Gorp, MD, PhD, University Hospital Leuven
Videos
03/17/2025
Dr Van Gorp shares insights on the final analysis of the MIRASOL trial evaluating mirvetuximab soravtansine among patients with folate receptor alpha-positive, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
Dr Van Gorp shares insights on the final analysis of the MIRASOL trial evaluating mirvetuximab soravtansine among patients with folate receptor alpha-positive, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
Dr Van Gorp shares insights on...
03/17/2025
Oncology
Michael Green, PhD
Conference Coverage
03/17/2025
Michael Green, PhD, discusses relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma microenvironment archetypes and the effect of immunomodulatory and cellular therapies on patient outcomes.
Michael Green, PhD, discusses relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma microenvironment archetypes and the effect of immunomodulatory and cellular therapies on patient outcomes.
Michael Green, PhD, discusses...
03/17/2025
Oncology
Lori Wirth, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital
Videos
03/14/2025
Lori Wirth, MD, discusses the selpercatinib for advanced RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer and RET fusion-positive, radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer.
Lori Wirth, MD, discusses the selpercatinib for advanced RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer and RET fusion-positive, radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer.
Lori Wirth, MD, discusses the...
03/14/2025
Oncology
Neoadjuvant TKI to Downstage Unresectable DTC
Videos
03/14/2025
Mira Milas, MD, and Christian Nasr, MD, discuss the potential of neoadjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibition to downstage unresectable differentiated thyroid cancer.
Mira Milas, MD, and Christian Nasr, MD, discuss the potential of neoadjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibition to downstage unresectable differentiated thyroid cancer.
Mira Milas, MD, and Christian...
03/14/2025
Oncology
Neoadjuvant TKI to Downstage Unresectable DTC
Videos
03/14/2025
Mira Milas, MD, and Christian Nasr, MD, discuss the potential of neoadjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibition to downstage unresectable differentiated thyroid cancer.
Mira Milas, MD, and Christian Nasr, MD, discuss the potential of neoadjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibition to downstage unresectable differentiated thyroid cancer.
Mira Milas, MD, and Christian...
03/14/2025
Oncology
Laurence Albiges, MD, PhD, Gustave Roussy
Videos
03/13/2025
Laurence Albiges, MD, PhD, discusses the final results from the COSMIC-313 trial which evaluated cabozantinib plus nivolumab and ipilimumab for patients with previously untreated advanced renal cell carcinoma.
Laurence Albiges, MD, PhD, discusses the final results from the COSMIC-313 trial which evaluated cabozantinib plus nivolumab and ipilimumab for patients with previously untreated advanced renal cell carcinoma.
Laurence Albiges, MD, PhD,...
03/13/2025
Oncology
Laura Dawson, MD, Princess Margaret Cancer Care
Videos
03/11/2025
Laura Dawson, MD, discusses the results of a phase 3 study comparing stereotactic body radiotherapy followed by sorafenib to sorafenib alone for patients with locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
Laura Dawson, MD, discusses the results of a phase 3 study comparing stereotactic body radiotherapy followed by sorafenib to sorafenib alone for patients with locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
Laura Dawson, MD, discusses the...
03/11/2025
Oncology
OLN

BCL2

ALIASES

BCL2 Apoptosis Regulator; PPP1R50; Bcl-2; Protein Phosphatase 1, Regulatory Subunit 50; Apoptosis Regulator Bcl-2; B-Cell CLL/Lymphoma 2; BCL2, Apoptosis Regulator 2

Tumor cells have many characteristics, including genomic instability and oncogene activation, which should lead to apoptosis.1 In a bid to survive, tumor cells may become dependent on the BCL-2 protein.2 Certain cancer cells will overexpress BCL-2, which in turn impedes apoptosis and facilitates tumor growth and resistance to chemotherapy.3 These malignant cells that depend on BCL-2 for survival are likely to be sensitive to BCL-2 modulation.4

Understanding the Role of BCL2

This animation discusses the role of BCL2 in normal cell function and explains the effects of disruptions in the BCL2 gene on cell signaling.

Expression in Cancer

High expression of BCL-2 occurs in a variety of cancer types. The graphic below displays cases in each cancer type (up to a certain percentage) that have been reported to overexpress BCL-2.

Breast Cancer
75%
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
95%
Acute Myeloid Leukemia
87%
Follicular Lymphoma
90%
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
20%
Prostate Cancer
55%
Head and Neck Cancer
12.8%
Small Cell Lung Cancer
90%
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
58%
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
99%

Resources

News
09/25/2020
Study findings support the evaluation of novel strategies for the treatment of patients with HIV-associated DLBCL expressing BCL-2.
Study findings support the evaluation of novel strategies for the treatment of patients with HIV-associated DLBCL expressing BCL-2.
Study findings support the...
09/25/2020
Oncology
News
06/05/2020
Study findings show that resistance to venetoclax therapy in patients with MCL is primarily associated with non-BCL2 gene mutations.
Study findings show that resistance to venetoclax therapy in patients with MCL is primarily associated with non-BCL2 gene mutations.
Study findings show that...
06/05/2020
Oncology
News
03/29/2018
Dual targeting of BTK and BCL2 may improve outcomes in patients with mantle cell lymphoma and a poor prognosis.
Dual targeting of BTK and BCL2 may improve outcomes in patients with mantle cell lymphoma and a poor prognosis.
Dual targeting of BTK and BCL2...
03/29/2018
Oncology
FDA Approval
03/19/2025
Based on results from the KEYNOTE-811 study, the FDA has approved first-line pembrolizumab plus trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine, and platinum-containing chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic HER2-positive...
Based on results from the KEYNOTE-811 study, the FDA has approved first-line pembrolizumab plus trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine, and platinum-containing chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic HER2-positive...
Based on results from the...
03/19/2025
Oncology
News
03/19/2025
The best of HMP Global’s three Great Debates programs will be featured in one 2025 series, Great Debates in Solid Tumors, delivering a more comprehensive learning experience for oncology clinicians in the gastrointestinal, women’s and lung...
The best of HMP Global’s three Great Debates programs will be featured in one 2025 series, Great Debates in Solid Tumors, delivering a more comprehensive learning experience for oncology clinicians in the gastrointestinal, women’s and lung...
The best of HMP Global’s three...
03/19/2025
Oncology
Conference Coverage
03/18/2025
According to results from the phase 3 NRG GY018 trial, the addition of pembrolizumab to chemotherapy did not significantly worsen patient-reported quality of life outcomes among patients with proficient mismatch repair advanced or recurrent...
According to results from the phase 3 NRG GY018 trial, the addition of pembrolizumab to chemotherapy did not significantly worsen patient-reported quality of life outcomes among patients with proficient mismatch repair advanced or recurrent...
According to results from the...
03/18/2025
Oncology
Conference Coverage
03/18/2025
According to results from the phase 1/2a BLUESTAR study, puxitatug samrotecan demonstrated promising efficacy and safety among patients with B7-H4–positive advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer.
According to results from the phase 1/2a BLUESTAR study, puxitatug samrotecan demonstrated promising efficacy and safety among patients with B7-H4–positive advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer.
According to results from the...
03/18/2025
Oncology
News
03/17/2025
For patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, brentuximab vedotin plus lenalidomide and rituximab was associated with improved survival rates and tolerability, according to results from a phase 3 study.
For patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, brentuximab vedotin plus lenalidomide and rituximab was associated with improved survival rates and tolerability, according to results from a phase 3 study.
For patients with...
03/17/2025
Oncology
News
03/17/2025
A recent phase 3 trial evaluating the use of denileukin diftitox-CXDL for relapsed/refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma demonstrated reduced skin tumor burden and promising tolerability.
A recent phase 3 trial evaluating the use of denileukin diftitox-CXDL for relapsed/refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma demonstrated reduced skin tumor burden and promising tolerability.
A recent phase 3 trial...
03/17/2025
Oncology
News
03/17/2025
For patients with myelofibrosis undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, mutation driver clearance at 30 days was associated with improved cancer outcomes, according to study results.
For patients with myelofibrosis undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, mutation driver clearance at 30 days was associated with improved cancer outcomes, according to study results.
For patients with myelofibrosis...
03/17/2025
Oncology
News
03/14/2025
Results from the phase 3 ETOP 15-19 ABC-lung trial demonstrated that atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and chemotherapy failed to improve survival outcomes for patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer that is resistant to TKIs.
Results from the phase 3 ETOP 15-19 ABC-lung trial demonstrated that atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and chemotherapy failed to improve survival outcomes for patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer that is resistant to TKIs.
Results from the phase 3 ETOP...
03/14/2025
Oncology
News
03/13/2025
Results from a retrospective review demonstrated that administration of neoadjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy can effectively downstage patients with unresectable differentiated thyroid cancers, allowing patients to achieve R0...
Results from a retrospective review demonstrated that administration of neoadjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy can effectively downstage patients with unresectable differentiated thyroid cancers, allowing patients to achieve R0...
Results from a retrospective...
03/13/2025
Oncology
News
03/13/2025
According to results from a multi-cohort study, lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab demonstrated efficacy and safety among patients with progressive, radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer.
According to results from a multi-cohort study, lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab demonstrated efficacy and safety among patients with progressive, radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer.
According to results from a...
03/13/2025
Oncology

Podcasts

Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Podcasts
03/07/2024

Featured Petros Grivas, MD, PhD

Featured Petros Grivas, MD, PhD ...
Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, shares results from the phase 2 TROPHY-U-01 study evaluating sacituzumab govetican plus pembrolizumab among patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma following progression on platinum-chemotherapy.
Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, shares results from the phase 2 TROPHY-U-01 study evaluating sacituzumab govetican plus pembrolizumab among patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma following progression on platinum-chemotherapy.
Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, shares...
03/07/2024
Oncology
Sara Hurvitz, MD, David Geffen School of Medicine – UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Podcasts
02/16/2023
Sara Hurvitz, MD, shares how she would treat a patient with early stage HER2-positive breast cancer.
Sara Hurvitz, MD, shares how she would treat a patient with early stage HER2-positive breast cancer.
Sara Hurvitz, MD, shares how she...
02/16/2023
Oncology
Michael Hall, MD, Fox Chase Cancer Center
Podcasts
12/20/2022
Michael Hall, MD, reviews his presentation from the 2022 Great Debates & Updates in Gastrointestinal Malignancies virtual meeting, on genetic testing for gastrointestinal cancers.
Michael Hall, MD, reviews his presentation from the 2022 Great Debates & Updates in Gastrointestinal Malignancies virtual meeting, on genetic testing for gastrointestinal cancers.
Michael Hall, MD, reviews his...
12/20/2022
Oncology
Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Podcasts
11/15/2022
Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, shares how he would treat a patient who presented with a new diagnosis of metastatic urothelial cancer and progressed after completing a gemcitabine-cisplatin chemotherapy regimen.
Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, shares how he would treat a patient who presented with a new diagnosis of metastatic urothelial cancer and progressed after completing a gemcitabine-cisplatin chemotherapy regimen.
Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, shares...
11/15/2022
Oncology
OLN favicon
Podcasts
07/29/2022
Margherita Rimini, MD, discusses findings from an analysis exploring the association between the BRCAness phenotype and response to platinum-based chemotherapy among patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
Margherita Rimini, MD, discusses findings from an analysis exploring the association between the BRCAness phenotype and response to platinum-based chemotherapy among patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
Margherita Rimini, MD, discusses...
07/29/2022
Oncology
Ruth He, MD, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
Podcasts
07/22/2022
Ruth He, MD, discusses findings from a subgroup analysis which evaluated outcomes of patients with biliary tract cancer receiving durvalumab plus chemotherapy by primary tumor location: intrahepatic or extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma or...
Ruth He, MD, discusses findings from a subgroup analysis which evaluated outcomes of patients with biliary tract cancer receiving durvalumab plus chemotherapy by primary tumor location: intrahepatic or extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma or...
Ruth He, MD, discusses findings...
07/22/2022
Oncology
Arndt Vogel, MD, Hannover Medical School
Podcasts
07/14/2022
Arndt Vogel, MD, shares results from the phase 2, FIGHT-202 trial which evaluated pemigatinib in patients with previously treated, locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma.
Arndt Vogel, MD, shares results from the phase 2, FIGHT-202 trial which evaluated pemigatinib in patients with previously treated, locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma.
Arndt Vogel, MD, shares results...
07/14/2022
Oncology
Petros Grivas, MD, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Podcasts
06/22/2022
Petros Grivas, MD, shares results from the phase 2 TROPHY-U-01 trial evaluating the sacituzumab govitecan in combination with pembrolizumab for patients with metastatic urothelial cancer who progressed after platinum-based regimens.
Petros Grivas, MD, shares results from the phase 2 TROPHY-U-01 trial evaluating the sacituzumab govitecan in combination with pembrolizumab for patients with metastatic urothelial cancer who progressed after platinum-based regimens.
Petros Grivas, MD, shares...
06/22/2022
Oncology
Robert Jones, MD
Podcasts
06/21/2022
Robert Jones, MD, shares results and insights from the phase 2 ATLANTIS trial, evaluating maintenance cabozantinib following platinum-based chemotherapy for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma.
Robert Jones, MD, shares results and insights from the phase 2 ATLANTIS trial, evaluating maintenance cabozantinib following platinum-based chemotherapy for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma.
Robert Jones, MD, shares results...
06/21/2022
Oncology
David O'Malley
Podcasts
06/20/2022
In part 2 of this 2-part podcast series, David O'Malley, MD, Ohio State University, discusses strategies for overcoming PARP inhibitor and platinum resistance in patients with ovarian cancer.
In part 2 of this 2-part podcast series, David O'Malley, MD, Ohio State University, discusses strategies for overcoming PARP inhibitor and platinum resistance in patients with ovarian cancer.
In part 2 of this 2-part podcast...
06/20/2022
Oncology

Interactive

Test Your Knowledge
09/22/2021
True or false: Although patients with CLL achieve durable responses through novel inhibitor treatments, such as BTK inhibitors, BCL-2 inhibitors are nonapplicable.
True or false: Although patients with CLL achieve durable responses through novel inhibitor treatments, such as BTK inhibitors, BCL-2 inhibitors are nonapplicable.
True or false: Although patients...
09/22/2021
Oncology
Test Your Knowledge
10/13/2020
True or False: Certain cancer cells overexpress BCL-2, which promotes apoptosis and reduces tumor growth and resistance to chemotherapy.
True or False: Certain cancer cells overexpress BCL-2, which promotes apoptosis and reduces tumor growth and resistance to chemotherapy.
True or False: Certain cancer...
10/13/2020
Oncology
Test Your Knowledge
09/01/2020
True or False: Resistance to venetoclax therapy in patients with mantle cell lymphoma is primarily associated with non-BCL2 gene mutations.
True or False: Resistance to venetoclax therapy in patients with mantle cell lymphoma is primarily associated with non-BCL2 gene mutations.
True or False: Resistance to...
09/01/2020
Oncology
Test Your Knowledge
08/24/2020
True or False: Dual targeting of BTK and BCL2 can improve outcomes in patients with MCL and a poor prognosis.
True or False: Dual targeting of BTK and BCL2 can improve outcomes in patients with MCL and a poor prognosis.
True or False: Dual targeting of...
08/24/2020
Oncology
Quiz
03/19/2025
Did atezolizumab plus etoposide and carboplatin delay time to central nervous system progression among patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer?
Did atezolizumab plus etoposide and carboplatin delay time to central nervous system progression among patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer?
Did atezolizumab plus etoposide...
03/19/2025
Oncology
Quiz
03/05/2025
According to results from the phase 2 SWOG S1929 study, what was the result of adding talazoparib to maintenance atezolizumab among patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer?
According to results from the phase 2 SWOG S1929 study, what was the result of adding talazoparib to maintenance atezolizumab among patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer?
According to results from the...
03/05/2025
Oncology
Quiz
02/10/2025
Did lurbinectedin demonstrate equivalent to or better efficacy than platinum rechallenge among patients with platinum-sensitive small cell lung cancer who experience relapse after treatment with platinum-based therapy?
Did lurbinectedin demonstrate equivalent to or better efficacy than platinum rechallenge among patients with platinum-sensitive small cell lung cancer who experience relapse after treatment with platinum-based therapy?
Did lurbinectedin demonstrate...
02/10/2025
Oncology
Quiz
02/07/2025
Did trastuzumab emtansine improve invasive disease-free survival compared to trastuzumab in patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer who had residual disease following neoadjuvant therapy?
Did trastuzumab emtansine improve invasive disease-free survival compared to trastuzumab in patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer who had residual disease following neoadjuvant therapy?
Did trastuzumab emtansine...
02/07/2025
Oncology
Quiz
01/22/2025
Did the administration of trilaciclib prior to chemotherapy reduce the incidence of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression among patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer?
Did the administration of trilaciclib prior to chemotherapy reduce the incidence of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression among patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer?
Did the administration of...
01/22/2025
Oncology
Quiz
12/20/2024
Do you know if first-line lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab significantly improved survival compared to lenvatinib plus chemotherapy for patients with mismatch repair-proficient advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer? Take our quiz to find out!
Do you know if first-line lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab significantly improved survival compared to lenvatinib plus chemotherapy for patients with mismatch repair-proficient advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer? Take our quiz to find out!
Do you know if first-line...
12/20/2024
Oncology