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Published on: March 30, 2018
Epstein-Barr virus DNA is not increased in tonsillar carcinoma
N Khabie1, A Savva, J L Kasperbauer
1Department of Otolaryngology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, U.S.A.
The Laryngoscope
|May 19, 2001
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) does not appear to cause tonsil cancer. Researchers found no increased EBV infection in tonsil cancer DNA compared to healthy controls.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic virus linked to various cancers, notably nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
- Waldeyer's ring comprises lymphoid tissues including the nasopharynx, pharyngeal, and lingual tonsils.
- The role of EBV in carcinomas of other Waldeyer's ring tissues requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in pharyngeal tonsillar carcinomas.
- To determine if EBV infection is present and potentially active or latent in tonsil cancer tissues.
Main Methods:
- DNA extraction from 53 tonsil cancer specimens and 53 matched controls.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using three primer sets to detect active or latent EBV infection.
- Sequencing of positive PCR bands to confirm EBV fragment amplification.
Main Results:
- No evidence of active EBV infection was detected in any tonsil cancer samples.
- Latent EBV infection was found in 1.9% of tonsil cancer specimens.
- Latent EBV infection was detected in 11.3% of control tonsil specimens.
Conclusions:
- EBV expression is not elevated in tonsil cancer DNA.
- EBV infection does not demonstrate a causal relationship with the development of tonsil cancer.
