Expression of MAGE, B AGE and GAGE genes in prostate cancer

Introduction: The human MAGE. BAGE and GAGE genes code for distinct antigens that are recognised by autologous cytotoxic T lymphocytes in a MHC-restricted manner. These genes are expressed in a variety of tumours of different histological types, but not in normal tissue except testes. Therefore they may serve as good targets for specific antitumour immunisation of patients with cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of MAGE 1-4, GAGE 1,2 and BAGE genes in benign and malignant prostatic tissue, using RT-PCR. Patients and methods: Thirty-four patients were investigated; 15 men had BP, and 19 had prostatic adenocarcinoma. Prostatic tissue was collected after transurethral resection, snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at - 80° C until used. Total RNA was isolated from tissue samples and reverse-transcribed into cDNA. MAGE 1-4, GAGE 1.2, and BAGE expression were detected by PCR amplification using previously published specific primers. Appropriate positive and negative controls were used. Results: The expression of the genes was; Gene MAGE GAGE BAGE 1 2 3 4 1 2 BPH 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 Cancer 12 2 2 0 1 1 1 Conclusions: Despite an increasing interest in the development of tumour vaccines in human malignancies, information about the expression of tumour-associated antigens is scarce in prostate cancer. Of all the genes investigated in this study, MAGE 1 appears to be expressed frequently in malignant prostatic tissue compared with BPH, and could represent a future therapeutic target for immunotherapy in prostate cancer. Further studies are warranted. © 1998 British Journal of Urology.