Gene Expression in Breast Tumors and Chemotherapy Response
Author Information
Author(s): W.N. Keith, S. Stallard, R. Brown
Primary Institution: CRC Department of Medical Oncology, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
Hypothesis
The expression levels of the mdrl and gst-rc genes in breast tumors influence their response to doxorubicin chemotherapy.
Conclusion
Higher expression of the mdrl gene in breast tumors is associated with increased resistance to doxorubicin treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- 25 out of 49 breast tumors showed detectable levels of mdrl mRNA.
- High mdrl expression correlated with higher ID50 values for doxorubicin.
- Low levels of gst-rc mRNA were found in most breast tumor samples.
Takeaway
This study found that some breast tumors have a gene that makes them resistant to a cancer drug, which means they might not get better with that treatment.
Methodology
RNA levels of mdrl and gst-rc were measured in primary breast tumor biopsies and compared to their sensitivity to doxorubicin using a colony forming assay.
Limitations
The study only analyzed tumors from untreated patients, which may not represent all breast cancer cases.
Participant Demographics
Patients with untreated breast tumors.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.1
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