Analysis of HLA-DRB1-related alleles in Japanese patients with lung cancer – relationship to genetic susceptibility and resistance to lung cancer

To investigate differences in HLA status among lung cancer patients, patients with hematological malignancies, and healthy controls in order to determine the genetic susceptibility and resistance features of HLA-DRB1-related alleles in Japanese patients with lung cancer. Methods: HLA class I (HLA-A, -B, and -C) antigens and HLA class II (HLA-DRB1) alleles were determined in 36 patients with lung cancer, 35 patients with hematological malignancies, and 90 healthy controls. HLA class I status was investigated by serological techniques, and HLA class II by polymerase chain reaction/restriction-fragment-length polymorphism analysis. Results: Lung cancer patients showed an increased frequency of HLA-DRB1* 0901, and a decreased frequency of HLA-DRB1*1302 and DRB1*14-related alleles when compared to the other subjects. Conclusion: These results suggest that genetic factors influence the susceptibility and resistance to lung cancer. However, this study should be considered preliminary because of the relatively small number of patients examined and the possibility of racial differences in HLA status of lung cancer patients between Japan and other countries. Received: 10 December 1997 / Accepted: 11 May 1998