Increased bcl-2/bax ratio in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia is associated with a progressive pattern of disease

In order to evaluate clinical implications of altered expression of bcl-2 a nd bar proteins in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) we studied 27 patients with this disease. Cytofluorometric levels of bcl-2 did not reflec t the status of disease. In contrast bar expression was lower in progressiv e than in non-progressive disease, therefore leading to a higher bcl-2/bax ratio in patients of the former group. if confirmed in longitudinal studies , quantitative cytofluorometric evaluation of bcl-2 and bar protein might h elp to identify patients with progressive disease who could possibly benefi t from early therapy.