Evaluation of Sensitivity and Specificity of MAGE A1-6 RT-nested PCR as a Cancer Detection Method / 대한진단검사의학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of MAGE (Melanoma Antigen Gene) A1-6 RT-nested PCR as a detection method for cancer cells. METHODS: From February 2001 and December 2002, various samples [cancer tissue, sputum, induced sputum, broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL), blood, urine and cervical brush] were obtained from 355 cancer patients. Moreover, 316 samples, including cancer adjacent normal tissue, blood, urine and sputum were collected for the negative controls. MAGE A1-6 RT-nested PCR was performed and the results were evaluated with clinical diagnosis. The sensitivity of the MAGE assay was compared with that of the telomerase assay and cytologic examination using 26 sputa of lung cancer patients. RESULTS: The average sensitivity of the MAGE assay in cancer tissues was 79% (85% in squamous carcinoma and 70% in adenocarcimona). The sensitivity in body fluids was 57% (9-27% in blood, 59% in sputum, 68% in urine, more than 70% in induced sputum and BAL, and 87% in pleural fluid and cervical brush). In the negative controls, the positive rates were less than 8.9% in normal tissues and 2% in blood, sputum and urine. The average sensitivity of the MAGE RT-PCR, telomerase assay and cytologic examination was 61.5%, 26.9% and 15.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The MAGE A1-6 RT-PCR showed excellent sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, it could be effectively utilized as a cancer detection method in the clinical laboratory.