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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
PubMed

Insights

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.
Keywords:
cancer virusoncogenic diagnosisoncogenic preventiononcogenic treatmentoncogenic virus

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