title: HLA-G expression in effusions is a possible marker of tumor susceptibility to chemotherapy in ovarian carcinoma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We recently showed that the levels of secreted human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), a nonclassical MHC class I antigen, are significantly elevated in malignant effusions in ovarian carcinoma compared to benign ones. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression and clinical role of HLA-G in effusions and corresponding solid tumors from patients diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Effusions (= 148), corresponding primary tumors (= 66), and metastatic lesions (= 122) were analyzed using immunohistochemistry with an anti-HLA-G monoclonal antibody.
  
  
  RESULTS
  HLA-G was detected in cancer cells in 49/148 (33%) effusions, 33/66 (50%) primary tumors, and 59/122 (48%) solid metastases. These differences did not reach statistical significance. Expression in effusions and solid metastases significantly correlated (P = 0.029). HLA-G expression in tumor cells was significantly lower in effusions obtained during or following chemotherapy (P = 0.038). The presence of HLA-G-positive tumor cells in effusions obtained prior to the institution of chemotherapy correlated with better overall survival (P = 0.042). HLA-G expression in primary tumors and solid metastases did not correlate with any of the clinicopathologic parameters studied.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HLA-G is expressed in a significant number of ovarian carcinomas at all anatomic sites. The reduced expression of HLA-G in post-chemotherapy effusions and its correlation with improved survival may be related to preferential susceptibility of HLA-G-expressing cells at this site. Our findings suggest a new role for HLA-G as a prognostic indicator in advanced-stage ovarian cancer in effusions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, University of Oslo, Montebello N-0310 Oslo, Norway. bend@ulrik.uio.no
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.forename: Mari Bukholt
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Elstrand
authors.forename: Michael T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: McMaster
authors.forename: Aasmund
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Berner
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Kurman
authors.forename: Björn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Risberg
authors.forename: Claes G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Trope
authors.forename: Ie-Ming
authors.initials: IeM
authors.lastname: Shih
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000737:chemistry; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000276:immunology; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000276:immunology; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D006680:HLA Antigens; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I