HLA-G expression in transitional bladder carcinoma. Relationship with tumor invasion level and patient survival: Experience in a public hospital in Argentina

Abstract

Transitional carcinoma (TC) is the most common neoplasm of the bladder (80%). The immune checkpoint (IC) Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) expression has been demonstrated within numerous types of cancer and correlates with the degree of malignancy. This study aims for HLA-G expression in the bladder TC in a public hospital in Argentina linking its malignancy grade with the survival of the patients. We study thirty TC samples, in which we determine the invasion level and the HLA-G expression by immunohistochemistry. From all analyzed cases, 23 correspond to high-grade TC, of whom 91% presented HLA-G immunostaining and 83% compromised the muscularis propria layer of the bladder. Four patients in this group have not exceeded 5 years of survival. This data confirms that HLA-G expression in the bladder TC is associated with greater aggressiveness. Therefore, adding this immunostaining to the immunohistochemical panel used in the routine diagnosis of this neoplasm would be very useful.

Keywords: Human leukocyte antigen G; Immunohistochemistry; Prognostic factor; Transitional bladder carcinoma.