EXPRESSION OF GENES MAGE-1, MAGE-2, AND MAGE-3 BY HUMAN MAXILLARY CARCINOMA-CELLS

We analysed the expression of melanoma antigen-encoding (MAGE) gene-1, -2, and -3 in 20 maxillary carcinomas consisting of two cell lines: f reshly isolated cancer cells from specimens from 13 patients, and 5 bi opsy specimens. The cells were subjected to reverse transcription by t he polymerase chain reaction. Fourteen (70%) out of 20 maxillary carci nomas expressed at least one of the MAGE genes. In contrast, five cont rol samples of inflammed mucosa from the maxillary sinus of patients w ith chronic sinusitis were all negative for the expression of these ge nes. Results indicated that patients with maxillary carcinoma may be g ood candidates for specific immunotherapy.