The utility of Insulin Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins (IGFBPs-1, 2, 3) with genes expression in resistance to Imatinib and Nilotinib in chronic myeloid leukemia: a pilot study from Delta Egypt.

INTRODUCTION: Resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is an obstacle facing CML patients in spite of the high cure rate. In this context, a study association between IGFBP (1, 2, 3) genes expression and their proteins in CML with the response to TKI has been implicated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 115 newly diagnosed CML in chronic phase (CP) followed up over 12 months under TKI. 116 apparently healthy individuals were used as a control. RT-qPCR amplification was used for detecting IGFBPs genes expression, and ELISA technique was used for measuring serum IGFBPs.

RESULTS: IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 genes expression, as well as their serum levels, were significantly higher in CML patients, whereas IGFBP-2 gene expression was not. Interestingly, IGFBP-1 gene expression and IGFBP-1 serum levels were significantly higher in resistant patients compared to responder patients. However, the expression of IGFBP-2, 3 genes and their serum were insignificant.

CONCLUSION: IGFBP-1 gene expression and its serum were significantly correlated with resistance. It is currently recommended that IGF-receptor inhibitors be developed and utilized. We are hoping to optimize the cure rate for CML treated with TKIs.