MDR1 gene expression and prognostic factors in primary breast carcinomas

Abstract To prospectively assess the role of the MDR 1 gene in breast carcinomas, MDR 1 RNA levels of breast carcinoma specimens were determined by slot blot analysis. In 59 evaluable patients with primary breast carcinomas, MDR 1 RNA levels of the carcinomas were negative in 54%, low in 29% and high in 17% of the patients. No differences in age, menopause status, oestrogen and progesterone receptor levels, tumour size, lymph node involvement and c- erb B-2/ neu gene expression were observed between MDR 1 RNA negative patients and MDR 1 RNA positive patients.