[Prognostic significance of P-glycoprotein expression in acute leukemia in adults].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the prognostic significance of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression in previously untreated acute leukemia in adults. METHODS: P-gp expression in 151 acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) and 47 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was determined by monoclonal antibody UIC2 and flow cytometry. RESULTS: The rate of complete remission (CR) differed between P-gp+ and P-gp- AML (20.5% vs 78.5%, P < 0.001), but the CR rate did not significantly differ between P-gp+ and P-gp- ALL(66.7% vs 80%, P > 0.05). The six-month relapse rate was significantly higher in P-gp+ group than that of P-gp- group (AML: 66.7% vs 8.7%, P < 0.001; ALL: 50% vs 9.5%, P < 0.05). The median disease-free survival time was shorter in P-gp+ group than in P-gp- group (AML: 5 months vs 13 months; ALL: 4 months vs 13 months). CONCLUSION: Overexpression of P-gp is a poor prognostic factor in adult acute leukemia and P-gp detection is useful for the prediction of treatment response and early relapse.