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Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) in acute leukemia

Sabine L A Plasschaert1, Dorina M Van Der Kolk, Eveline S J M De Bont

  • 1Division of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital Groningen, Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Leukemia & Lymphoma
|May 27, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) contributes to multidrug resistance in acute leukemia. Further research is needed to determine if BCRP inhibitors can improve chemotherapy outcomes for patients.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major challenge in acute leukemia treatment.
  • Overexpression of efflux pumps like P-glycoprotein and MRPs contributes to MDR.
  • Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), also known as ABCG2, is a newly identified transporter implicated in MDR.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review BCRP detection techniques and its normal physiology.
  • To explore the role of BCRP in hematopoietic stem cell physiology.
  • To investigate the involvement of BCRP in multidrug resistance in acute leukemia.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of BCRP detection methods.
  • Analysis of studies on BCRP expression and function in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
  • Examination of BCRP's role in hematopoietic stem cells.

Main Results:

  • BCRP is expressed and functionally active at low, variable levels in AML and ALL.
  • BCRP confers resistance to chemotherapeutic agents like mitoxantrone, doxorubicin, and daunorubicin.
  • BCRP plays a role in the physiology of hematopoietic stem cells.

Conclusions:

  • BCRP is a significant factor in multidrug resistance in acute leukemia.
  • Further studies are required to assess BCRP's impact on clinical outcomes.
  • Investigating BCRP inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy may offer therapeutic benefits.

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