Expression of the MAGE 3 gene product in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck

Background: The melanoma antigen (MAGE) 3 gene may be a useful tumor specific marker since it is expressed in a variety of cancers. Materials & method: The expression and intracellular location of MAGE 3 gene product were investigated in 40 squamous cell carcinomas, 2 tumor lines, 20 benign diseases, and 20 normal tissues of the head and neck. Immunohistochemical staining with anti-MAGE 3 mAb 57B was conducted from fresh frozen specimens. Correlations between MAGE 3 expression and clinicopathological parameters were also evaluated. Results: the MAGE 3 gene product was detected in squamous cell carcinomas (18/40, 45%) and in tumor cell lines (2/2, 100%), but not in benign diseases and normal tissues. No significant correlation was drawn between MAGE 3 expression and clinical parameters including clinical stages and metastasis. Conclusion: These results show MAGE 3 antigen could represent a potential target for immunotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.