Human genes MAGE-1 and MAGE-3 code for antigens that are recognized on melanoma cells by autologous cytolytic T lymphocytes. These antigens may constitute useful targets for specific anti-tumor immunization of cancer patients, since genes MAGE-1 and MAGE-3 are expressed in a number of tumors of different histological types, but are not expressed in normal adult tissues other than testis. This also applies to genes MAGE-2 and MAGE-4, which are closely related to MAGE-1 and MAGE-3. We have analyzed the expression of these 4 MAGE genes in cutaneous melanoma. Sixteen of 100 primary tumors vs. 69 (48%) of 145 metastases from individual patients expressed MAGE-1. Similar differences in the frequency of gene expression between primary and metastatic tumor samples were observed for MAGE-2, MAGE-3, and MAGE-4. MAGE expression in primary tumors was correlated with tumor thickness: there was a significantly increased frequency in the expression of MAGE-1, -2 and -3 in tumors of greater thickness. Benign and dysplastic nevi, as well as in situ melanomas, did not express any of the 4 MAGE genes.

Background In 2006, a single-center Swedish study demonstrated a low rupture rate and high patient satisfaction with the Style 410 shaped, form-stable gel implant. The current study aimed to validate the accuracy of the previously published results across multiple European sites. Methods A total of 163 subjects (*70% had augmentation [n = 112], 15% had reconstruction [n = 25], and 15% had revision [n = 26]) underwent a physical examination followed by breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for rupture detection. These subjects had been implanted for 5 to 11 years with at least one Style 410 shaped gel breast implant before examination. The secondary end points included lactation, reproductive and breast disease history before and after implantation, and quality-of-life measurements and complications after implantation. Results The implant rupture rate was 1.7% a median of 8 years after implantation. Capsular contracture was the most common complication noted at the physical examination, occurring for 5.3% of implants, and there were no cases of grade 4 capsular contracture. The postimplantation rates for lactation and reproductive problems and breast disease were lower than the preimplantation rates. Breast implantation surgery was considered advantageous by 91% of the subjects, demonstrating high patient satisfaction. Conclusions The Style 410 anatomically shaped, formstable gel breast implants demonstrated long-term safety and effectiveness.

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The use of implants in immediate breast reconstruction is presently a common option. However, the practice should be evaluated in consideration of possible adjuvant therapies needed to control disease and to rule out negative interactions. This article discusses the effects of radiotherapy on breast implants with regard to the final cosmetic result. Six out of 124 cases of immediate breast reconstruction with implants were followed and evaluated in terms of capsular contracture and final aesthetic result after adjuvant radiotherapy and compared with the results of 118 patients who did not require irradiation. All of the patients who received irradiation demonstrated poor to fair results, with grade III to IV capsular contracture. Two patients received radiation therapy for local recurrences, which worsened their capsular contracture, emphasizing the deleterious effect of irradiation on breast implants. Statistical analysis of the results demonstrated a significant difference between the two groups in terms of capsular contracture and breast symmetry. In the selection of patient candidates for immediate breast reconstruction with implants, adjuvant radiation therapy must be considered as a contraindication, at least from an aesthetic point of view.