The distribution of HLA-A, B, C, DR antigens in Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in Taiwan.

To evaluate the role of genetic factor in hepatocellular carcinoma, HLA-A, B, C and DR locus antigens were typed in 170 Chinese patients. Forty-three HLA-A, B, C, DR-related antigens were assayed by the conventional method. No significant risk antigen can be identified among these antigens. The distribution of each antigen was not related to sex. HBsAg, and alpha-fetoprotein status. The results suggest that there are no specific HLA-A, B, C and DR antigens patterns or frequencies associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.