Background:
Previously, we have discovered an association between MAGE-/NY-ESO-1 expression and poor overall survival in HNSCC patients. Using multiplex serology, we have now analyzed patterns of antibody (AB) responses to tumor-associated antigens (TAA) in non-recurrent (NR) and recurrent disease (RD) head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) patients.
Methods:
Plasma- and serum samples of 410 HNSCC patients treated at different cancer centers were analyzed for AB to 29 auto-antigens and HPV-16 E6 using multiplex serology. Among 319 patients with available recurrence status, 235 were NR and 84 had RD. Statistics: Antibody prevalences were compared using a Chi2-test. A correction for multiple testing was performed using the two-stage linear step-up procedure of Benjamini, Krieger and Yekutieli with a false discovery rate von 10%.
Results:
Among 235 NR patients, 82 (35%) were seropositive for HPV-16 E6. AB found most frequently were directed against MAGE-A3 (12%), MAGE-A4 (12%), SpanXa1 (11%), p53 (11%), and MAGE-A1 (10%). Among 84 RD pt, 18 (21%) were seropositive for HPV-16 E6. Antibody reactivity to MAGE-A3 (19%), MAGE-A4 (13%), SpanXa1 (12%), p53 (12%), MAGE-A1 (12%), c-myc (11%), Recoverin (11%) and MAGE-A9 (10%) was found most frequently. In RD patients, AB against MAGE-C2 were significantly more frequent (NR: 2% vs. RD: 8%; p = 0.010, Chi2-Test) and AB to HPV-16 E6 significantly less frequent (p = 0.014). Corrected for multiple testing, the p-values did not reach significance.
Conclusions:
AB to TAA in NR and RD patients are directed against the same antigens. Data analysis is ongoing.
