Abstract
The MAGE genes encode tumor antigens recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. These antigens may constitute useful targets for anti-cancer immunotherapy, since no expression of MAGE genes has been observed in normal tissues except testis. We investigated the expression of the MAGE-1, and -3 genes in 25 squamous cell carcinomas, 10 benign tumors, and 15 normal tissues of head and neck, using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT—PCR). The MAGE-1, and -3 genes were expressed at the mRNA level in 32%(8/25), 48%(12/25) respectively. Sixteen out of 25 cases(64%) expressed at least one of these genes. Neither benign tumors nor normal tissues was positive for these genes. These results suggest that immunotherapy with MAGE gene products may be useful for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck.
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