Histocompatibility antigens in small cell carcinoma of the lung

Abstract
Fifty white patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung were typed for HLA to assist in providing platelet support for intensive induction therapy. An analysis of the HLA types in this population was undertaken to determine if there was an influence of HLA type on this disease. Patients with the HLA-Bw44 (HLA-B12) allele were significantly overrepresented in the patient population compared to a control population (52% vs. 26%, P < 0.001). Patients possessing the HLA-A1 phenotype had a significantly poorer 1-yr survival rate (15%) than individuals who did not possess this allele (60% 1-yr survival rate, P < 0.025).