The Prostate
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Bcl-2 is anti-apoptotic and overexpression is associated with prostate tumor aggressiveness. We hypothesized that Bcl-2 has a role in prostate cancer radiation (RT) response. The relationship of Bcl-2 expression in four prostate cancer cell lines, and the effect of modulating expression with a Bcl-2 antisense oligonucleotide (G3139, Genasense, oblimersen sodium, Genta Incorporated), to RT was examined. ⋯ To our knowledge, these data demonstrate for the first time that a Bcl-2 specific AS oligonucleotide sensitizes prostate cancer cells to RT. p53 is not required for this effect.