HLA antigens and transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

A possible association between HLA antigens and transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder was searched for in 56 patients and 200 healthy kidney donors. Statistical analysis showed that HLA antigens A23, A25, A28, BW4, BW21, BW22 and CW4 are more common in bladder tumor patients, whereas B27 and BW6 were more common in the control group. The relative risk for HLA CW4 was 2.07 (95% confidence interval 1.51-2.48). Except for CW4, these findings are inconsistent with previous reports. We believe this to be due to various misleading factors, and thus not conclusive. Even if such a statistical association exists, this appears to be clinically not relevant and, therefore, should not alter standard practice.