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The bodies fight against cancer: is human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class 1 the key?

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Abstract

Introduction

Loss of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression has been implicated in tumour progression and metastasis; however, studies reporting its relationship with long-term survival are few in number with conflicting reports. The aim of this review was to assess the prognostic value of HLA class I expression in gastrointestinal cancer.

Methods

Major electronic databases, including Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Pubmed were searched for original studies. Two independent reviewers assessed each study against inclusion and exclusion criteria. All data were specific to gastrointestinal cancer surgery.

Results

Fourteen original studies were included in this present review. In oesophageal cancer, reduced expression of HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C and HLA-G were associated with poorer survival. However, in gastric and colorectal cancer, the prognostic value of HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C and HLA-G remains conflicting. Antibody use and reporting methodology was different between all 14 studies examined.

Conclusion

Variability in antibody use makes it difficult to validate HLA class I expression as an independent prognostic marker in GI cancer. Consensus guidelines, incorporating heavy and light chain antibodies, are required with further studies on HLA class I expression being performed to validate its prognostic value.

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We declare that we have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unit of Experimental Therapeutics, Institute of Cancer Science, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life of Sciences, University of Glasgow, McGregor Building, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, G11 6NR, UK

    Arfon G. M. T. Powell & Joanne Edwards

  2. Academic Unit of Surgery, University of Glasgow, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, G31 2ER, UK

    Paul G. Horgan

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  1. Arfon G. M. T. Powell
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  2. Paul G. Horgan
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  3. Joanne Edwards
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Correspondence to Arfon G. M. T. Powell.

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Powell, A.G.M.T., Horgan, P.G. & Edwards, J. The bodies fight against cancer: is human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class 1 the key?. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 138, 723–728 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-012-1192-4

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