Expression of cancer/testis antigens in salivary gland carcinomas with reference to MAGE-A and NY- ESO-1 expression in adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Aims Cancer/testis antigens ( CTAs) are detected in cancer cells but not in healthy normal tissues, with the exception of gametogenic tissues. CTAs are highly immunogenic proteins, and thus represent ideal targets for cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-mediated specific immune therapy. The aim of this study was to screen CTA expression in various types of salivary gland carcinoma and to clarify clinicopathological significance of MAGE-A and NY- ESO-1 expression in adenoid cystic carcinomas (AdCCs) of the salivary gland, which is one of the most common salivary gland carcinomas, and usually has a fatal outcome. Methods and results We used immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of four CTAs ( MAGE-A, NY- ESO-1, CT7, and GAGE7) in various types of salivary gland carcinoma ( n = 95). When carcinoma cases were divided into low-grade and intermediate/high-grade types, NY- ESO-1 and CT7 were expressed more frequently in intermediate/high-grade carcinomas. We then focused on MAGE-A and NY- ESO-1 expression in a large cohort of adenoid cystic carcinomas (Ad CCs) ( n = 46). MAGE-A and NY- ESO-1 were frequently expressed in Ad CC; specifically, MAGE-A was expressed in >60% of the Ad CC cases. MAGE-A expression and tumour site (minor salivary gland) were identified as independent risk factors for locoregional tumour recurrence. Conclusions These findings suggest that CTAs may be expressed in a variety of salivary gland carcinomas, especially in those with higher histological grades. In addition, MAGE-A, which is frequently expressed in Ad CC cases, may be a useful prognostic factor for poorer locoregional recurrence-free survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]