Not only local parameters but also genetic determinants like the HLA g
enes may play a role in the development and clinical behavior of malig
nant tumors. In skin melanoma the presence of HLA-B40 is associated wi
th a poor prognosis. We tested the hypothesis that the clinical behavi
or of uveal melanoma is influenced by the HLA type of the patient. The
HLA types of 44 patients with uveal melanoma had been determined befo
re operation with a view to using the cornea of the enucleated eye for
an HLA-matched corneal transplantation. We compared the ABO and HLA t
ypes of the patients with the development of metastases and with the t
en-year patient survival. An association was observed between the pres
ence of HLA-B40 and death due to metastasis of uveal melanoma. We conc
lude that the HLA type of the patient may influence the clinical behav
ior not only of skin melanoma but also of uveal melanoma.