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A Deep Dive Into Oncogenic Viruses Understanding Their Role in Cancer and Approaches for Prevention
Neetesh Jindal1, Bipin Bihari Mishra1, Ashish Kumar1
1Department of Virology, ICMR-Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India.
Reviews in Medical Virology
|February 24, 2026
Summary
Oncogenic viruses like EBV and HPV cause about 20% of global cancers. Understanding their distinct mechanisms aids in developing vaccines, antivirals, and targeted therapies for prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Oncogenic viruses are major contributors to global cancer burden.
- Specific viruses like EBV, HPV, KSHV, HBV, MCPyV, HTLV-1, and HCV drive distinct cancer types through unique mechanisms.
- These viruses collectively account for approximately 20% of all human cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the diverse mechanisms by which oncogenic viruses contribute to cancer development.
- To highlight the global impact of viral oncogenesis and identify key viruses involved.
- To review current and potential strategies for the prevention and treatment of virus-associated cancers.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing literature on oncogenic viruses and their associated cancers.
- Analysis of the specific pathogenic roles of EBV, HPV, KSHV, HBV, MCPyV, HTLV-1, and HCV.
- Examination of current therapeutic and preventive strategies, including vaccines and antiviral medications.
Main Results:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is linked to Burkitt lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
- High-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types are primarily associated with cervical cancer.
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) are implicated in liver cancer.
- Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) is crucial in Kaposi's sarcoma development.
- Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) is linked to aggressive skin cancers.
- Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV-1) can cause leukemia and neurological issues.
- Collectively, these viruses cause about 20% of all cancers worldwide.
Conclusions:
- Oncogenic viruses represent a significant and preventable cause of cancer.
- Vaccination (e.g., HPV), antiviral therapies (e.g., HBV, HCV), targeted treatments, and lifestyle modifications are key preventive and management strategies.
- Continued research and public health initiatives are essential for reducing the global burden of virus-associated cancers, especially in resource-limited settings.
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