Clinical implication of HLA class I expression in breast cancer

• Main Authors: Koriyama Chihaya, Shinchi Hiroyuki, Okumura Hiroshi, Hirata Munetsugu, Funasako Yawara, Kijima Yuko, Ishigami Sumiya, Kaneko Koichi, Ueno Shinichi, Yoshinaka Heiji, Natsugoe Shoji
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2011-10-01
• Series: BMC Cancer
• Subjects: HLA class I; survival; T cell immunology; antitumor activity
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2407/11/454

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-class I molecules on tumor cells have been regarded as crucial sites where cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) can recognize tumor-specific antigens and are strongly associated with anti-tumor activity. However, the clinical impact of HLA class I expression in breast cancer has not been clarified.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 212 breast cancer patients who received curative surgery from 1993 to 2003 were enrolled in the current study. HLA class I expression was examined immunohistochemically using an anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibody. The correlation between HLA class I positivity and clinical factors was analyzed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The downregulation of HLA class I expression in breast cancer was observed in 69 patients (32.5%). HLA class I downregulation was significantly associated with nodal involvement (p < 0.05), TNM stage (p < 0.05), lymphatic invasion (p < 0.01), and venous invasion (p < 0.05). Patients with preserved HLA class I had significantly better disease-free interval (DFI) than those with loss of HLA class I (p < 0.05). However, in multivariable analysis, HLA class I was not selected as one of the independent prognostic factors of disease-free interval.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The examination of HLA class I expression is useful for the prediction of tumor progression and recurrent risk of breast cancer via the antitumor immune system.</p>