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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
Sameera Kumar, MD
Conference Coverage
03/27/2025
Sameera Kumar, MD, highlights the role radiation plays in the treatment of patients with stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer.
Sameera Kumar, MD, highlights the role radiation plays in the treatment of patients with stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer.
Sameera Kumar, MD, highlights...
03/27/2025
Oncology
William Grady, MD
Conference Coverage
03/27/2025
William Grady, MD, compares biomarker-based testing and colonoscopy when considering options for colorectal cancer screening.
William Grady, MD, compares biomarker-based testing and colonoscopy when considering options for colorectal cancer screening.
William Grady, MD, compares...
03/27/2025
Oncology
Estelamari Rodriguez, MD, MPH
Conference Coverage
03/27/2025
Estelamari Rodriguez, MD, MPH, assesses the potential of CTLA-4 inhibitors in the first-line setting for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Estelamari Rodriguez, MD, MPH, assesses the potential of CTLA-4 inhibitors in the first-line setting for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Estelamari Rodriguez, MD, MPH,...
03/27/2025
Oncology
Deborah Doroshow, MD, PhD
Conference Coverage
03/27/2025
Deborah Doroshow, MD, PhD, discusses the role of immunotherapy when treating patients with small cell lung cancer.
Deborah Doroshow, MD, PhD, discusses the role of immunotherapy when treating patients with small cell lung cancer.
Deborah Doroshow, MD, PhD,...
03/27/2025
Oncology
Ian Tobal, DO, Ochsner Medical Center
Videos
03/27/2025
Ian Tobal, DO, discusses an analysis of real-world Child-Pugh score and outcomes among patients undergoing treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Ian Tobal, DO, discusses an analysis of real-world Child-Pugh score and outcomes among patients undergoing treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Ian Tobal, DO, discusses an...
03/27/2025
Oncology
Reid Ness, MD, MPH
Conference Coverage
03/27/2025
Reid Ness, MD, MPH, discusses the nordICC trial, which assessed the efficacy of using colonoscopy as a primary screening tool.
Reid Ness, MD, MPH, discusses the nordICC trial, which assessed the efficacy of using colonoscopy as a primary screening tool.
Reid Ness, MD, MPH, discusses...
03/27/2025
Oncology
Vivek Subbiah, MD
Conference Coverage
03/27/2025
Vivek Subbiah, MD, discusses advances in tumor agnostic therapies and explores how these therapies can shift the treatment landscape for patients with solid tumors.
Vivek Subbiah, MD, discusses advances in tumor agnostic therapies and explores how these therapies can shift the treatment landscape for patients with solid tumors.
Vivek Subbiah, MD, discusses...
03/27/2025
Oncology
Reid Ness, MD, MPH
Conference Coverage
03/27/2025
Reid Ness, MD, MPH, argues that colonoscopy is superior compared to biomarker-based testing for the detection of colorectal cancer.
Reid Ness, MD, MPH, argues that colonoscopy is superior compared to biomarker-based testing for the detection of colorectal cancer.
Reid Ness, MD, MPH, argues that...
03/27/2025
Oncology
Shipra Gandhi, MD, Winship Cancer Institute
Videos
03/27/2025
Shipra Gandhi, MD, makes the case against moving novel endocrine backbones to earlier lines of therapy in breast cancer.
Shipra Gandhi, MD, makes the case against moving novel endocrine backbones to earlier lines of therapy in breast cancer.
Shipra Gandhi, MD, makes the...
03/27/2025
Oncology
Raghav Sundar, MD, PhD, Yale Cancer Center
Videos
03/27/2025
Raghav Sundar, MD, PhD, discusses the importance of considering tumor biology and anatomic site when determining treatments for patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
Raghav Sundar, MD, PhD, discusses the importance of considering tumor biology and anatomic site when determining treatments for patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
Raghav Sundar, MD, PhD,...
03/27/2025
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
News
04/02/2025
At a tolerable and safe dose, the anti-CD38 antibody, modakafusp alfa demonstrated decreased tumor activity and immune activation among patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
At a tolerable and safe dose, the anti-CD38 antibody, modakafusp alfa demonstrated decreased tumor activity and immune activation among patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
At a tolerable and safe dose,...
04/02/2025
Oncology
News
04/02/2025
Quadruplet therapy with isatuximab, weekly bortezomib, lenalidomide, and limited dexamethasone demonstrated safety and efficacy for older patients with transplant-ineligible MM in a phase 2 clinical trial.
Quadruplet therapy with isatuximab, weekly bortezomib, lenalidomide, and limited dexamethasone demonstrated safety and efficacy for older patients with transplant-ineligible MM in a phase 2 clinical trial.
Quadruplet therapy with...
04/02/2025
Oncology
News
04/02/2025
The presence of 2 or more high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities among patients with multiple myeloma was associated with poor survival outcomes, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The presence of 2 or more high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities among patients with multiple myeloma was associated with poor survival outcomes, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The presence of 2 or more...
04/02/2025
Oncology
News
04/01/2025
According to results from a phase 2 study, pembrolizumab plus bevacizumab demonstrated promise among previously untreated patients with melanoma brain metastases.
According to results from a phase 2 study, pembrolizumab plus bevacizumab demonstrated promise among previously untreated patients with melanoma brain metastases.
According to results from a...
04/01/2025
Oncology
News
04/01/2025
According to a retrospective cohort study, omitting adjuvant radioactive iodine therapy for pediatric patients with papillary thyroid cancer did not compromise outcomes.
According to a retrospective cohort study, omitting adjuvant radioactive iodine therapy for pediatric patients with papillary thyroid cancer did not compromise outcomes.
According to a retrospective...
04/01/2025
Oncology
News
04/01/2025
A study found the addition of lenvatinib to high-dose radioiodine therapy showed promise in improving response for patients with metastatic well-differentiated radioiodine-avid thyroid cancer.
A study found the addition of lenvatinib to high-dose radioiodine therapy showed promise in improving response for patients with metastatic well-differentiated radioiodine-avid thyroid cancer.
A study found the addition of...
04/01/2025
Oncology
News
03/31/2025
Findings from a phase 2 study show zenocutuzumab demonstrated durable clinical activity and a favorable safety profile in patients with NRG1 fusion–positive solid tumors, particularly non–small-cell lung and pancreatic cancers.
Findings from a phase 2 study show zenocutuzumab demonstrated durable clinical activity and a favorable safety profile in patients with NRG1 fusion–positive solid tumors, particularly non–small-cell lung and pancreatic cancers.
Findings from a phase 2 study...
03/31/2025
Oncology
FDA Approval
03/31/2025
The US FDA approved neoadjuvant durvalumab plus gemcitabine-cisplatin followed by adjuvant durvalumab after radical cystectomy for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer.
The US FDA approved neoadjuvant durvalumab plus gemcitabine-cisplatin followed by adjuvant durvalumab after radical cystectomy for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer.
The US FDA approved neoadjuvant...
03/31/2025
Oncology
FDA Approval
03/28/2025
Based on results from the PSMAfore trial, the FDA has expanded the approval of lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan to include patients with PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer previously treated with ARPIs and...
Based on results from the PSMAfore trial, the FDA has expanded the approval of lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan to include patients with PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer previously treated with ARPIs and...
Based on results from the...
03/28/2025
Oncology
FDA Approval
03/26/2025
Based on results from the CABINET trial, the FDA has approved cabozantinib for patients 12 years of age and older with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic well-differentiated pNETs and epNETs who experienced disease progression after...
Based on results from the CABINET trial, the FDA has approved cabozantinib for patients 12 years of age and older with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic well-differentiated pNETs and epNETs who experienced disease progression after...
Based on results from the...
03/26/2025
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
04/02/2025
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