HLA alleles and lung cancer in a Turkish population.

Background: The concept of genetic factors playing a role in the pathogenesis of lung cancer has gained increased attention. The present study was undertaken to examine the question of HLA association with lung cancer and to investigate the effects of HLA on survival time.

Methods: The distribution of HLA class I (A, B, C) antigens and class II (DR, DQ) alleles were studied in 81 unrelated Turkish patients with lung cancer.