HLA—B17 and the HLA—A1, B17 Haplotype in Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Seventy-nine Caucasians with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) were genotyped to determine whether AML, the induction of remission or patient survival were associated with particular HLA phenotypes or haplotypes. HLA—B17 and B27 were increased in AML patients over 40 years of age. Combined analysis of four independent studies indicates that HLA-B17 is significantly but weakly associated with AML, relative risk = 1.48 (.01 < P < .025). The A1, B17 and Aw24, Bw35 haplotypes occurred more frequently in the AML group as compared to racial and geographic controls (uncorrected P= 0.0068 and 0.0098, respectively Fisher's Exact Test). Induction of remission occurred less frequently in patients with the B17 phenotype as compared to patients lacking this antigen (P= 0.047). Patient survival was associated with remission status (P= 0.002) but was not significantly associated with particular HLA phenotypes or haplotypes. These results indicate that a gene or genes in the HLA—B region of the major histocompatibility complex can influence susceptibility to AML and also the response to chemotherapy. The authors are grateful to Paula Barnes and H. R. Shey for statistical assistance, Andrea Jordan for technical help and Linda Caudill for typing the manuscript.