Objective To explore the expression and prognostic value of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) gene in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was performed to detect the mRNA of BCRP in AML group (n = 60) and non-hematologic malignancy group (n = 20). The difference in the BCRP expression of both groups was studied and its correlation with clinical effect was analyzed. Results The BCRP gene expression level in the AML patients was statistically higher than that in the control group (P < 0.01). Significant difference was found among the newly-diagnosed AML group, the relapsed AML group and the complete remission (CR) AML group and the control group (P < 0.01). The BCRP gene expression level was different in different disease stages with the highest level in the relapsed group and the lowest in the complete-remission group. Conclusions BCRP gene expression increases in AML patients. The expression level of BCRP gene can be a useful biomarker for evaluation of AML progression, and may be an independent risk factor of AML.