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 of MAGE-A genes as markers for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with LSCC. The present study aimed to evaluate the expression and the possible prognostic significance of MAGE-A in the peripheral blood of patients with LSCC. In the present study, the expression of MAGE-A genes was determined by multiplex semi-nested PCR and restriction endonuclease treatment of the peripheral blood of patients with LSCC. The association between MAGE-A gene expression and clinicopathological parameters and prognosis was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the expression of MAGE-A was associated with the predictors that indicate poor prognosis. The expression levels of MAGE-A and each individual MAGE-A gene 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 of MAGE-A genes may be a potential prognostic marker for patients with LSCC.