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DNA viruses and human cancer
1Institute of Medical Microbiology, Aarhus University, Denmark.
Cancer Letters
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Certain DNA viruses, including human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), are implicated in human cancers. Further research and preventative vaccines are needed for definitive proof.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Human cancers are complex diseases with multifactorial etiologies.
- The role of viral infections in cancer development has been a subject of extensive research.
- Specific DNA viruses are suspected etiological agents in several human malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence implicating DNA viruses in human cancers.
- To explore the mechanisms of viral oncogenesis and factors influencing cancer progression.
- To discuss the spectrum of virus-cell interactions in tumorigenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature and evidence.
- Analysis of data on viral DNA, RNA, and protein presence in tumors.
- Examination of epidemiological, serological, and in vitro/in vivo transformation studies.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports the etiological role of human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in specific cancers.
- Viral presence, oncogenic potential, and transformation capabilities are key indicators.
- Cancer progression is influenced by host immunity, co-infections, and carcinogen exposure.
Conclusions:
- DNA viruses are likely causative agents for certain human cancers.
- Tumorigenesis is a multistep process involving complex virus-cell interactions.
- Eradication of a cancer through anti-viral vaccination would provide definitive etiological proof.