Expression and significance of cancer testis antigens in primary mucosal melanoma of the head and neck

Cancer testis antigens (CTAs) are T‐cell–defined tumor‐associated antigens encoded by the genes and gene families such as MAGE, NY‐ESO‐1, and others. Their expression in a wide variety of malignant neoplasms but absence in all normal adult tissue except testicular germ cells makes them attractive targets for immunotherapy of cancer. Primary mucosal melanomas of the head and neck (HNMM) are rare aggressive malignant tumors that are usually difficult to treat. CTAs may provide useful targets for therapy; however, their expression in HNMM is not known.