title: The role of the histoblood ABO group in cancer.
abstract: Since the first link between blood type and cancer was described in 1953, numerous studies have sought to determine whether the histoblood ABO group is associated with tumorigenesis. In 2009, the first significant association between a SNP located within the ABO glycosyltransferase gene and increased risk of pancreatic cancer was reported. Here, we describe the history and possible functions of the histoblood ABO group and then provide evidence for a role of blood group antigens in the most common cancer types worldwide using both blood type and SNP data. We also explore whether confusion regarding the role of blood type in cancer risk may be attributable to heterogeneity within tumor types.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Breast Care Project, Windber Research Institute, 620 Seventh Street, Windber, PA 15963, USA; Clinical Breast Care Project, Windber Research Institute, 620 Seventh Street, Windber, PA 15963, USA.
authors.forename: Seth K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Rummel
authors.affiliation: Clinical Breast Care Project, Murtha Cancer Center, 620 Seventh Street, Windber, PA 15963, USA; Clinical Breast Care Project, Murtha Cancer Center, 620 Seventh Street, Windber, PA 15963, USA.
authors.forename: Rachel E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Ellsworth
keywords: cancer; histoblood ABO group; rs505922