MAGE-3 and MAGE-4 genes as possible markers for early detection of metastases in hepatitis C virus Egyptian patients complicated by hepatocellular carcinoma

The dissemination of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells into the circulation plays a critical role in post-operative recurrence and metastasis. Early detection of metastatic tumor cells is critical to identify HCC patients at high risk of relapse. MAGE-3 and -4 genes were evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for the possibility of using them as new markers for early detection of metastases in 160 chronic HCV Egyptian patients, 115 of them were complicated with HCC. The expressions of MAGE-3 and MAGE-4 mRNA in peripheral blood of patients with metastatic HCC were 36 and 52%, respectively. While the expressions of MAGE-3 and MAGE-4 mRNA in peripheral blood of patients with localized HCC were 12.5 and 15%, respectively. Moreover, at least one type of mRNA was found in the peripheral blood of 68% of the metastatic HCC patients and in 20% of the localized HCC patients. While neither the controls nor the cirrhotic patients show expression of MAGE-4 mRNA in their peripheral blood. MAGE-3 and MAGE-4 may be a promising diagnostic tool for monitoring the prognosis of HCC patients and early detection of occult hematogenous metastasis of HCC.