Strong HLA-DR expression in large bowel carcinomas is associated with good prognosis.
One hundred large bowel carcinomas operated on between 1978 and 1982 were studied immunohistochemically with regard to expression of HLA-DR antigens. Three sections from each tumour were investigated by a semiquantitative scoring system, and a mean score for each patient established. Based on this scoring system, the tumours were divided into three groups: 0; 0.1-1.0; and > 1.0. All patients were followed until death (n = 68) or until June 1, 1992, and all cancer-specific deaths (n = 56) have been recorded. Analysis of survival in the whole patient group showed significant difference between the three levels of tumour HLA-DR expression (P = 0.006); patients who had tumours with strong HLA-DR expression showing the best survival. In a stratified analysis after Dukes' stages there was still a significant difference (P > 0.001) between the three levels of HLA-DR staining intensity. After a multiple regression analysis (Cox) with correction for different variables, the HLA-DR expression maintained its significance as a risk factor. To our knowledge this is the first time a relationship between intensity of tumour DR expression and survival has been shown in large bowel carcinoma.
Andersen
S N
SN
Institute of Forensic Medicine, National Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway.
Rognum
T O
TO
Lund
E
E
Meling
G I
GI
Hauge
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000782:Aneuploidy; D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen / Q000097:blood; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D004171:Diploidy; D005260:Female; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors
D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens