MAGE-A genes as predictors of the outcome of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the head and neck area. Melanoma-associated antigens A (MAGE-A) are strictly tumor-specific and are expressed in several types of tumors. To date, no studies have reported the potential ofMAGE-Agenes as markers for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with LSCC. The present study aimed to evaluate the expression and the possible prognostic significance ofMAGE-Ain the peripheral blood of patients with LSCC. In the present study, the expression ofMAGE-Agenes was determined by multiplex semi-nested PCR and restriction endonuclease treatment of the peripheral blood of patients with LSCC. The association betweenMAGE-Agene expression and clinicopathological parameters and prognosis was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the expression ofMAGE-Awas associated with the predictors that indicate poor prognosis. The expression levels ofMAGE-Aand each individualMAGE-Agene were also associated with a shorter overall survival time of patients with LSCC. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that the expression ofMAGE-Agenes may be a potential prognostic marker for patients with LSCC.