Correlation between Epstein Barr Virus and early gastric cancer

Abstract

SUMMARY
Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the possible
oncogenic role of Epstein Barr virus in early gastric cancer.
Patients and methods: In eleven patients diagnosed with early
gastric cancer, specific anti-EBV immunoglobulines were
measured before and after their treatment. The possibility
of Helicobacter Pylori infection was also considered and
examined both with rapid urease test and haematoxylin ñŠ¥osin staining.
Results: In nine patients the anti-EBV immunoglobulines
tested out positive in very high titers before the treatment.
In three of them the titers dropped to the usual titers detected
in healthy individuals with past EBV infection, six
months after the treatment. Helicobacter Pylori infection
was detected in only three of the patients.
Conclusion: Epstein Barr virus is probably a direct oncogenic
factor in early gastric cancer. It is also possible that
a geographic allocation exists regarding ití³ prevalence in
different populations which could be explained by variations
in HLA expression.
Key words: Epstein Barr virus, early gastric cancer, Helicobacter
pylori, oncogenesis