Identification of NY-ESO-1, MAGE-1, and MAGE-3 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Certain tumor antigens have been identified that stimulate an immune response, thus making them targets for immunotherapy. NY-ESO-1, MAGE-1, and MAGE-3 are such antigens. This study was undertaken to determine their presence or absence in head and neck squamous cell cancers and to correlate this with patient characteristics.


METHODS
Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IH) were used to identify NY-ESO-1, MAGE-1, and MAGE-3 in surgical specimens. Patient data (previous treatment, gender, age, primary site, metastasis, tumor grade, tumor stage, smoking history, and alcohol history) were collected by chart review and examined for correlation with presence or absence of antigen.


RESULTS
Three tumors were found to be positive for NY-ESO-1 by RT-PCR. All of these tumors were also positive for MAGE-1 and MAGE-3. IH was only positive for NY-ESO-1 in one patient. Eighteen of the 45 tumors (40%) were positive for MAGE-1 by RT-PCR. By IH, only six tumors were positive for MAGE-1. Five (83.3%) of those that were positive by IH were positive by RT-PCR. Twenty of the 45 tumors (44.4%) were positive for MAGE-3 by RT-PCR. By IH, 12 tumors were positive for MAGE-3. Nine (75%) of those positive by IH were also positive by RT-PCR. Overall, of the 45 tumors, 27 (60%) were positive by RT-PCR for at least one of the antigens. None of the patient characteristics correlated with the presence or absence of antigen.


CONCLUSIONS
There is high expression of MAGE-1 and MAGE-3 antigens in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, whereas NY-ESO-1 is not significantly expressed. IH correlates but is not as sensitive as RT-PCR for detection of these antigens. There is no correlation between antigen expression and patient data. On the basis of the high levels of MAGE-1 and MAGE-3 expression, use of these antigens may serve as a potential approach to immunotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma from head and neck sources.
Kienstra
Matthew A
MA
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of South Florida, MCC-HN PROG, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Florida, 33612-9497, USA. kienstma@moffitt.usf.edu
Neel
H Bryan
HB
Strome
Scott E
SE
Roche
Patrick
P
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D058950:Melanoma-Specific Antigens; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D008875:Middle Aged; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; C104948:CTAG1B protein, human; C072011:MAGEA1 protein, human; C072013:MAGEA3 protein, human; D058950:Melanoma-Specific Antigens; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D011506:Proteins