Human leukocyte antigen class I expression is an independent prognostic factor in advanced ovarian cancer resistant to first-line platinum chemotherapy.
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Loss of HLA class I is important in ovarian cancer prognosis but its role as a prognostic indicator in relation to therapy remains unproven. We studied the prognostic potential of this antigen and its significance in relation to platinum therapy. METHODS: A total of 157 primary ovarian cancers were assessed for HLA class I immunohistochemically and linked to a comprehensive database of clinicopathological variables, treatment details, and platinum sensitivity. RESULTS: Tumours expressing high levels of HLA class I had significantly improved survival (P=0.044). There was a 19-month difference in the median overall survival between tumours with high and low antigen expression. HLA class I antigen expression, stage, and platinum sensitivity were independently predictive of prognosis on multivariate analysis. HLA class I antigen was shown to be expressed at higher levels in patients with good overall survival in platinum-resistant patients (P=0.042). HLA class I significantly correlated with overall survival on multivariate analyses (P=0.034). CONCLUSION: Low-level HLA class I expression is an independent prognostic indicator of poor clinical outcome in ovarian cancer. The survival advantage of patients with platinum-resistant tumours expressing high levels of HLA class I suggests that immunotherapy may be of use in these ovarian cancers resistant to standard chemotherapy.
SUBMITTER: Shehata M
PROVIDER: S-EPMC2768455 | biostudies-other | 2009 Oct
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
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