ABCB1 and BMI1 mRNA expression in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia: impact on imatinib efficacy

BACKGROUND: ATP-binding cassette transporters are important in the mechanism of multidrug resistance. ABCB1 displays a high affinity for imatinib. BMI1 is a polycomb group protein thought to be overexpressed in leukemic cells. METHODS: This study was conducted to investigate the prognostic value of ABCB1 and BMI1 expressions in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Expression levels were measured in 81 patients newly diagnosed with CML and 20 healthy controls by real time reverse transcription- PCR. RESULTS: The ABCB1 expression levels did not differ between patients with CML and controls. Low ABCB1 mRNA levels were observed in patients who achieved an optimal response compared to suboptimal and resistant cases (P=0.005). Non-responders showed the highest ABCB1 levels. ABCB1 expression did not affect the progression-free survival (PFS) of patients. BMI1 expression was higher in patients than that in controls (P=0.001). Patients in advanced phases expressed higher levels of BMI1 than those in the chronic phase (P=0.004). High BMI1 expression was associated with a shorter PFS. CONCLUSION: ABCB1 mRNA expression may serve as a predictor of the optimal response to imatinib treatment in patients with CML. BMI1 expression was higher in the accelerated and blastic crisis phases of CML and associated with a shorter PFS.