ABCB1 and cancer: In cancer cells, multidrug resistance (MDR) as a phenomenon is caused by the over-expression of ABC transporters such as P-glycoprotein (Pgp, ABCB1 or MDR1), multidrug resistance-associated proteins MRPs (ABCC1), and breast cancer resistance protein BCRP (ABCG2) leading to the removal of drugs from the cell, thereby reducing their concentration below the effective level.