Purpose: We attempted to clarify the significance of apoptosis in tumor development and progression in 64 cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis and ureter by investigating apoptosis, proliferative activity and bcl-2 expression.
Materials and methods: We used in situ deoxyribonucleic acid nick end labeling for apoptotic cells and immunohistochemical staining for bcl-2 on archival tumor material.
Results: The apoptotic index correlated significantly with mitotic index, histological grade and pathological stage. There was no significant relationship between apoptotic index and bcl-2 expression. Patients with an apoptotic index greater than or equal to 0.22 had a poor prognosis.
Conclusions: Apoptosis is closely related to proliferative activity, tumor differentiation and depth of invasion in transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis and ureter.