Infection, immunity, and cancer.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• A significant proportion of human cancers are linked to known viral infections.
• Viruses such as human papillomaviruses, hepatitis B virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and human T-lymphotropic viruses are associated with various cancers.
• Recent discoveries of new viral associations and nonviral factors necessitate a revision of the estimated fraction of cancers attributable to infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the growing recognition of infectious agents as precipitants of human neoplasia.
• To explore the potential for novel diagnostic, therapeutic, and chemopreventive strategies arising from research into these agents.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on viral oncogenesis.
• Analysis of epidemiological data linking infections to cancer incidence.
• Identification of emerging viral and nonviral associations with human neoplasia.

Main Results:

• Established viral carcinogens include human papillomaviruses (cervical cancer), hepatitis B virus (liver cancer), Epstein-Barr virus (Burkitt lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma), and human T-lymphotropic viruses (adult T-cell leukemias).
• The proportion of cancers linked to infection is likely underestimated and may require revision due to new findings.
• Research into infectious agents offers promising avenues for novel cancer interventions.

Conclusions:

• Infectious agents play a critical role in the development of a substantial percentage of human cancers worldwide.
• Understanding the mechanisms of infection-induced neoplasia is crucial for developing targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
• Further research into novel viral and nonviral associations holds significant potential for advancing cancer prevention and treatment.