Viruses and human breast cancer
James S Lawson1, Walter H Günzburg, Noel J Whitaker
1School of Public Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. James.Lawson@unsw.edu.au
Future Microbiology
|July 31, 2007
Summary
Hormone-responsive viruses like human papillomavirus may cause breast cancer, as viral DNA is found in tumors. This suggests viruses could be a primary target for breast cancer prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Established breast cancer risk factors include hormonal influences like early menarche and late menopause.
- These factors do not explain global incidence disparities or male breast cancer, suggesting other etiological agents.
- Hormone-responsive viruses are increasingly suspected in the development of human breast cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of specific hormone-responsive viruses in the etiology of human breast cancer.
- To explore the association between viral genetic material and breast tumor development.
- To assess the implications of potential viral causes for breast cancer prevention.
Main Methods:
- Utilized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect viral genetic material in breast tumor samples and normal breast tissue controls.
- Analyzed pooled data from controlled studies to determine odds ratios for viral presence in tumors versus controls.
- Reviewed existing literature on candidate viruses, including human papillomaviruses (HPVs), mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
Main Results:
- Viral genetic material from candidate viruses (HPVs, MMTV, EBV) was detected in breast tumors more frequently than in normal breast tissue.
- Hormone-responsive elements in HPVs and MMTV suggest enhanced viral replication in the presence of hormones, relevant to hormone-dependent breast cancer.
- Controlled studies indicated substantial odds ratios for viral genetic material in breast tumors, suggesting a significant association.
Conclusions:
- Evidence suggests human papillomavirus, mouse mammary tumor virus, and Epstein-Barr virus may play a role in human breast cancer etiology.
- The findings provide substantial, though not yet conclusive, evidence for a viral contribution to breast carcinogenesis.
- Conclusive evidence could pave the way for primary prevention strategies targeting these viruses.
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