Modification of HLA antigens in patients with malignancies following hormone therapy

In 23 out of 39 patients with various malignancies, treated with hormones (Prednison, Agostiben, Agovirin, separately, or combined; Prednison plus another hormone) modification of HLA antigens was established. Out of 51 patients with hitherto untreated malignancies HLA modification was demonstrated in 12 cases. This variation is statistically significant (P 0.0006), and suggests hormonal therapy to be one of the causes of HLA modification in malignant tumors. The serological pattern of HLA modification varied: in five patients lymphocyte polyreactivity; in 10, loss of HLA antigens; in six, weakening of HLA antigens and in two, transformation of HLA--A2 IN HLA--A28. The modification was transient in character. It occurred most frequently following administration of Prednison, or Prednison combined with some other hormone, and was unrelated to drug dosage.