NPC & THE EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS

NPC & THE EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as the herpes virus 4 (HHV-4), is responsible for a common early childhood disease called infectious mononucleosis (mono or glandular fever). Over 95% of the population is infected by EBV at least once in their lifetime.

The association between EBV infection and NPC is well documented. Cells with the EBV genome are present in virtually all NPC cells.

EBV was classified by the International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC) as a Class I carcinogen for NPC in 1997.

Traces of EBV (Epstein-Barr virus) DNA are found in the earliest forms of cancer, carcinoma in situ or Stage 0 cancer, as classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). EBV is therefore implicated in the early development of NPC.

Other co-factors in the genesis of NPC include:
• AGE: increased age correlates to increased risk
• GENDER: men are about three times more at risk than women
• EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CARCINOGENS e.g. salted fish or preserved foods
• GENETIC PREDISPOSITION: family history with siblings or parents diagnosed with NPC
• IMMUNE DEFICIENCY

Because of the consistent presence of EBV DNA in all NPC cells, EBV DNA is an extremely sensitive and specific marker for NPC.

Genetic-based testing using EBV DNA is an essential tool in detection of NPC.