Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein-1 (SATB1) has been reported to be overexpressed in numerous human tumors. The aim of the present study was to determine the correlation and clinical significance between the expression of SATB1 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) in human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Samples from 70 patients with GBMs were analyzed and 10 normal brain tissues were used as the control group. In situ hybridization was used to detect SATB1 mRNA expression and immunohistochemistry was used to detect Bcl-2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein expression. Apoptosis was detected with flow cytometry. The SATB1 mRNA and Bcl-2 protein levels were found to be significantly higher in GBM tissues than in normal brain and their levels were associated with patient survival, but not associated with patient gender, age and tumor size and site. A positive correlation was observed between SATB1 mRNA and Bcl-2 protein and between SATB1 mRNA and PCNA. A negative correlation was observed between SATB1 mRNA and apoptosis and between Bcl-2 and apoptosis. A positive correlation existed between Bcl-2 and PCNA. Patients with GBM identified as SATB1 mRNA (+) and Bcl-2 (+) were associated with a poor prognosis. Therefore, assessment of SATB1 and Bcl-2 co-expression may provide important information for the diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of GBM.