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Updated: Apr 19, 2026
Personalized Peptide Arrays for Detection of HLA Alloantibodies in Organ Transplantation
Published on: September 6, 2017
Using HLA typing to support patients with cancer
1Department of Pathology, Blood Bank and HLA Laboratory, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, 05401, USA. Mark.Fung@vtmednet.org.
Background:
The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system plays a crucial role in immune function, and HLA testing is often needed in the support of patients with cancer.
Methods:
We briefly review the published literature to clarify the nomenclature of the HLA system, currently available methods for HLA testing, and commonly used HLA assays. The uses of HLA testing in pharmacogenomics, disease association, platelet transfusion support, and in the management of both solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are also reviewed.
Results:
HLA testing is commonly performed for select patient populations, including patients with cancer and in those requiring solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Conclusion:
Newer molecular typing methods have helped improve patient outcomes following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
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