Evaluation of human leukocyte antigen expression in patients with prostatecancer

Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the possible r elationship between human major histocompatibility antigens [human leukocyt e antigen (HLA)] and prostatic adenocarcinoma. Material and methods: This c linical study was performed in 30 patients with histologically proven prost atic adenocarcinoma and 102 healthy men. HLA A, B and DR groups were evalua ted in all patients. Results: Of the HLAs examined, A(2), A(10), A(28), A(1 4), DR6, DR7 and DR9 were found to be accumulated significantly in patients with prostatic cancer in comparison with the healthy subjects. Apart from HLA A(2) and DR7, the relative risk has been found to be over 2 in patients demonstrating these antigens. Conclusions: Although there was a statistica lly significant difference with respect to HLA accumulation between patient s with prostate cancer and healthy subjects, larger series of patients incl uding other parameters are needed.