HLA-G expression in effusions is a possible marker of tumor susceptibility to chemotherapy in ovarian carcinoma

Gynecol Oncol. 2005 Jan;96(1):42-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2004.09.049.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / chemistry
  • Ascitic Fluid / immunology
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / biosynthesis*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / immunology
  • Female
  • HLA Antigens / biosynthesis*
  • HLA Antigens / immunology
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / biosynthesis*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Pleural Effusion / immunology
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • HLA Antigens
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I