The HLA-B7 allele confers susceptibility to breast cancer in Spanish women.
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.
Lavado
Rocio
R
Immunology Service, Carlos Haya Regional University Hospital, Avda Carlos Haya 82, 29010 Malaga, Spain.
Benavides
Manuel
M
Villar
Esther
E
Ales
Inmaculada
I
Alonso
Antonio
A
Caballero
Abelardo
A
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
D015793:HLA-B7 Antigen