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Oncogenic Viruses in Skull Base Chordomas

Youssef Yakkioui1, Ernst-Jan M Speel2, Jacobus J Van Overbeeke1

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Division of Experimental Neurosurgery, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

World Neurosurgery
|December 2, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Oncogenic viruses, particularly parvovirus B19 (PVB19), were investigated in rare chordoma tumors. PVB19 DNA was detected in 22% of chordomas, suggesting a potential viral role in their development.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Chordomas are rare tumors originating from notochordal remnants.
  • Malignant behavior is suspected to be driven by a molecular switch.
  • The role of oncogenic viruses in chordoma etiology has not been previously studied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of oncogenic viruses in chordoma specimens.
  • To explore potential viral involvement in the development of chordomas.

Main Methods:

  • DNA and RNA isolation from chordoma and chondrosarcoma samples.
  • Real-time PCR and RT-PCR to detect various oncogenic viruses (Herpesviridae, Polyomaviridae, Papillomaviridae, respiratory viruses).
  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) for validation.

Main Results:

  • Parvovirus B19 (PVB19) DNA detected in 22% of chordomas and 7% of chondrosarcomas.
  • Human Herpesvirus 7 (HHV7) DNA found in 33% of chordomas.
  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA detected in 22% of samples, but not confirmed by ISH.

Conclusions:

  • Viral involvement is likely in the etiology of chordomas.
  • Parvovirus B19 (PVB19) appears to be the most significant virus implicated.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise role of viruses in chordoma pathogenesis.
Keywords:
CancerChondrosarcomaChordomaOncogenic virusPVB19Virus

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