# 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

## TL;DR

This study explores how IGFBP genes and proteins relate to resistance to cancer drugs in chronic myeloid leukemia patients in Egypt.

## Contribution

The study identifies IGFBP-1 as a potential biomarker for resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in CML.

## Key findings

- IGFBP-1 gene expression and serum levels were significantly higher in resistant CML patients.
- IGFBP-3 gene expression was elevated in CML patients but not linked to drug resistance.
- IGFBP-2 showed no significant association with CML or drug response.

## Abstract

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.

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.

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.

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.