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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
Eman Toraih, MD, PhD, DBio
Videos
04/23/2025
Eman Toraih, MD, PhD, DBio, discusses the use of radiofrequency ablation for patients with primary papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Eman Toraih, MD, PhD, DBio, discusses the use of radiofrequency ablation for patients with primary papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Eman Toraih, MD, PhD, DBio,...
04/23/2025
Oncology
Joan Garrett, PhD, University of Cincinnati
Videos
04/17/2025
Joan Garrett, PhD, discusses the role of HER3 receptor tyrosine kinase and NRG1 in oncology.
Joan Garrett, PhD, discusses the role of HER3 receptor tyrosine kinase and NRG1 in oncology.
Joan Garrett, PhD, discusses the...
04/17/2025
Oncology
Ruth He, MD
Videos
04/15/2025
Aiwu Ruth He, MD, PhD
Ruth He, MD, PhD, discusses results from the CheckMate 9DW trial which evaluating nivolumab plus ipilimumab in the first-line setting for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.
Ruth He, MD, PhD, discusses results from the CheckMate 9DW trial which evaluating nivolumab plus ipilimumab in the first-line setting for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.
Ruth He, MD, PhD, discusses...
04/15/2025
Oncology
Videos
04/14/2025
Namrata Vijayvergia, MD, FACP; Jason A. Zell, DO, MPH
Drs Zell and Vijayvergia debate the utility of molecular residual disease (MRD) testing in the colorectal cancer (CRC) surveillance setting.
Drs Zell and Vijayvergia debate the utility of molecular residual disease (MRD) testing in the colorectal cancer (CRC) surveillance setting.
Drs Zell and Vijayvergia debate...
04/14/2025
Oncology
Videos
04/14/2025
Namrata Vijayvergia, MD, FACP; Jason A. Zell, DO, MPH
Drs Zell and Vijayvergia debate the utility of molecular residual disease (MRD) testing in the colorectal cancer (CRC) adjuvant setting.
Drs Zell and Vijayvergia debate the utility of molecular residual disease (MRD) testing in the colorectal cancer (CRC) adjuvant setting.
Drs Zell and Vijayvergia debate...
04/14/2025
Oncology
Videos
04/14/2025
Namrata Vijayvergia, MD, FACP; Jason A. Zell, DO, MPH
Drs Zell and Vijayvergia debate the utility of molecular residual disease (MRD) testing in the colorectal cancer (CRC) neoadjuvant setting.
Drs Zell and Vijayvergia debate the utility of molecular residual disease (MRD) testing in the colorectal cancer (CRC) neoadjuvant setting.
Drs Zell and Vijayvergia debate...
04/14/2025
Oncology
Videos
04/14/2025
Yelena Y. Janjigian, MD
Given ongoing advancements in molecular residual disease (MRD) testing, should we rely on this modality to guide the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), or are we moving too fast into the unknown? Dr Janjigian provides an...
Given ongoing advancements in molecular residual disease (MRD) testing, should we rely on this modality to guide the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), or are we moving too fast into the unknown? Dr Janjigian provides an...
Given ongoing advancements in...
04/14/2025
Oncology
Alison Schram, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Videos
04/10/2025
Alison Schram, MD, discusses the results from the eNRGy trial, evaluating the bispecific antibody against HER2 and HER3, zenocutuzumab for patients with NRG1 fusion-positive cancer.
Alison Schram, MD, discusses the results from the eNRGy trial, evaluating the bispecific antibody against HER2 and HER3, zenocutuzumab for patients with NRG1 fusion-positive cancer.
Alison Schram, MD, discusses the...
04/10/2025
Oncology
Nilanjan Ghosh, MD, PhD
Videos
04/09/2025
Nilanjan Ghosh, MD, PhD
Nilanjan Ghosh, MD, PhD, FACP discusses new updates in treatment strategies for patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma including bispecific antibodies and CAR T-cell therapy.
Nilanjan Ghosh, MD, PhD, FACP discusses new updates in treatment strategies for patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma including bispecific antibodies and CAR T-cell therapy.
Nilanjan Ghosh, MD, PhD, FACP...
04/09/2025
Oncology
Sara Hurvitz, MD
Videos
04/08/2025
Sara Hurvitz, MD
Sara Hurvitz, MD, discusses the neo/adjuvant options for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.
Sara Hurvitz, MD, discusses the neo/adjuvant options for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.
Sara Hurvitz, MD, discusses the...
04/08/2025
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
04/24/2025
Stephanie Holland
On April 23, 2025, the FDA has approved penpulimab plus chemotherapy for patients with metastatic non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
On April 23, 2025, the FDA has approved penpulimab plus chemotherapy for patients with metastatic non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
On April 23, 2025, the FDA has...
04/24/2025
Oncology
News
04/24/2025
Stephanie Holland
According to retrospective results from the LENVA-LAT study, treatment with lenvatinib-based regimens demonstrated efficacy and safety among pre-treated patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
According to retrospective results from the LENVA-LAT study, treatment with lenvatinib-based regimens demonstrated efficacy and safety among pre-treated patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
According to retrospective...
04/24/2025
Oncology
News
04/23/2025
Stephanie Holland
According to extended follow-up results from the phase 2 Young-PEARL trial, palbociclib plus exemestane and ovarian function suppression prolonged progression-free survival among premenopausal patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative...
According to extended follow-up results from the phase 2 Young-PEARL trial, palbociclib plus exemestane and ovarian function suppression prolonged progression-free survival among premenopausal patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative...
According to extended follow-up...
04/23/2025
Oncology
News
04/22/2025
Stephanie Holland
According to results from the phase 2 HORIZON-Lung trial, trastuzumab rezetecan demonstrated promise among patients with HER2-mutated non-small cell lung cancer.
According to results from the phase 2 HORIZON-Lung trial, trastuzumab rezetecan demonstrated promise among patients with HER2-mutated non-small cell lung cancer.
According to results from the...
04/22/2025
Oncology
News
04/21/2025
Stephanie Holland
According to results from a retrospective analysis of a real-world cohort, temozolomide showed potential as a second-line option for patients with small cell lung cancer.
According to results from a retrospective analysis of a real-world cohort, temozolomide showed potential as a second-line option for patients with small cell lung cancer.
According to results from a...
04/21/2025
Oncology
News
04/21/2025
Stephanie Holland
According to results from the phase 3 KEYNOTE-921 trial, the addition of pembrolizumab to docetaxel did not significantly improve survival outcomes among previously treated patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
According to results from the phase 3 KEYNOTE-921 trial, the addition of pembrolizumab to docetaxel did not significantly improve survival outcomes among previously treated patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
According to results from the...
04/21/2025
Oncology
News
04/17/2025
Stephanie Holland
According to final analysis results from the phase 3 TROPICS-04 trial, sacituzumab govitecan did not significantly improve survival among previously treated patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma.
According to final analysis results from the phase 3 TROPICS-04 trial, sacituzumab govitecan did not significantly improve survival among previously treated patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma.
According to final analysis...
04/17/2025
Oncology
News
04/16/2025
Emily Estrada
Rituximab plus lenalidomide demonstrates long-lasting responses and improved outcomes as first-line therapy for follicular lymphoma, according to a phase 2 trial.
Rituximab plus lenalidomide demonstrates long-lasting responses and improved outcomes as first-line therapy for follicular lymphoma, according to a phase 2 trial.
Rituximab plus lenalidomide...
04/16/2025
Oncology
News
04/15/2025
Stephanie Holland
According to results from the phase 3 GOTIC-002 trial, low-dose tegafur-uracil maintenance therapy did not improve survival among patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.
According to results from the phase 3 GOTIC-002 trial, low-dose tegafur-uracil maintenance therapy did not improve survival among patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.
According to results from the...
04/15/2025
Oncology
News
04/14/2025
Stephanie Holland
According to final efficacy and safety results from the phase 3b LUMINANCE trial, first-line durvalumab plus platinum-etoposide demonstrated promise among patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.
According to final efficacy and safety results from the phase 3b LUMINANCE trial, first-line durvalumab plus platinum-etoposide demonstrated promise among patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.
According to final efficacy and...
04/14/2025
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
04/21/2025
Regarding the durability of remission achieved with inaticabtagene autoleucel therapy among patients with R/R B-ALL in a phase 2 trial, what was the median duration of remission reported?
Regarding the durability of remission achieved with inaticabtagene autoleucel therapy among patients with R/R B-ALL in a phase 2 trial, what was the median duration of remission reported?
Regarding the durability of...
04/21/2025
Oncology
Quiz
04/21/2025
In the real-world analysis comparing dasatinib and nilotinib as second-line therapies in CML-CP, what was the observed MMR rate at 12 months among patients treated with nilotinib?
In the real-world analysis comparing dasatinib and nilotinib as second-line therapies in CML-CP, what was the observed MMR rate at 12 months among patients treated with nilotinib?
In the real-world analysis...
04/21/2025
Oncology
Quiz
04/11/2025
Did the addition of pertuzumab retreatment to trastuzumab and physician’s choice chemotherapy improve survival among patients with HER2-positive, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer?
Did the addition of pertuzumab retreatment to trastuzumab and physician’s choice chemotherapy improve survival among patients with HER2-positive, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer?
Did the addition of pertuzumab...
04/11/2025
Oncology
Quiz
04/02/2025
What was the reported hematologic toxicity profile of GPRC5D-targeted CAR T-cell therapy among patients with multiple myeloma?
What was the reported hematologic toxicity profile of GPRC5D-targeted CAR T-cell therapy among patients with multiple myeloma?
What was the reported...
04/02/2025
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