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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
10:35
Generation of Subcutaneous and Intrahepatic Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Xenografts in Immunodeficient Mice
Published on: September 25, 2013
Common human viruses as carcinogen vectors.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|December 15, 1961
Summary
Viruses can help small amounts of carcinogens cause tumors in mice. Preventing the viral infection stopped tumor growth, showing a link between viruses and cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Carcinogenesis
Background:
- Carcinogens are agents known to cause cancer.
- Viruses can play a role in disease development.
- The interaction between viruses and carcinogens requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synergistic effect of viruses and carcinogens on tumor formation.
- To determine if viral activity is necessary for carcinogen-induced tumors.
Main Methods:
- Male Swiss mice were administered single doses of carcinogens and viruses.
- Tumor development was monitored in mice exposed to carcinogen-virus pairs.
- Mice were pre-immunized against specific viruses to assess the role of viral immunity.
Main Results:
- Malignant tumors developed in mice exposed to five specific carcinogen-virus combinations.
- Tumor formation was prevented in mice immunized against the respective viruses.
- In vitro studies demonstrated poliovirus 2 binding to carcinogens.
Conclusions:
- Viruses can act as co-factors in carcinogen-induced tumor formation.
- Viral presence and activity are critical for the observed synergistic oncogenic effect.
- Targeting viral components may offer a strategy to prevent carcinogen-induced cancers.
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