title: The HLA-B7 allele confers susceptibility to breast cancer in Spanish women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several HLA alleles are associated with susceptibility or protection in breast cancer. The particular allele varies depending on the geographical region. A study in a small group of Spanish patients using serological methods found an association with HLA-B7. We undertook a larger study in southern Spain using molecular biology techniques.
  
  
  METHODS
  Genotype variants of HLA class I and II were typed by PCR-SSP in 132 breast cancer patients and 382 healthy controls.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The frequency of the HLA-B7 allele was increased in the patients compared to the controls (P=0.0019; 95% confidence interval, 1.337-3.409, relative risk=2.135). Bonferroni correction of the P showed it was still significant (P(c)=0.0285).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results support previous suggestions that HLA-B7 is associated with the development of breast cancer in our area.
authors.affiliation: Immunology Service, Carlos Haya Regional University Hospital, Avda Carlos Haya 82, 29010 Malaga, Spain.
authors.forename: Rocio
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lavado
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Benavides
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Villar
authors.forename: Inmaculada
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ales
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alonso
authors.forename: Abelardo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Caballero
mesh_terms: D000483:Alleles; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D015793:HLA-B7 Antigen / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D013030:Spain
chemical_list: D015793:HLA-B7 Antigen