Possible DNA Viral Factors of Human Breast Cancer

Abstract

Viruses are considered to be one of the high-risk factors closely related to human breast cancer. However, different studies of viruses in breast cancer present conflicting results and some of these works remain in dispute. DNA viruses, such as specific types of human papillomaviruses (HPV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and human herpes virus type 8 (HHV-8), have emerged as causal factors of some human cancers. These respective exogenous viruses and the possibility of multiple viral factors are discussed in this review.

Epstein-Barr Virus and Breast Carcinoma in Iran

“…Although the presence of a virus alone does not establish a causal role in the disease and other techniques are not used to prove the attendance of EBV-DNA in tumor cells, our findings with 9.3% positivity, in addition to the previously reported positive results, supports the possibility of an etiologic relationship. The proof of etiologic role of EBV in the induction of breast carcinoma needs more efforts using more specific and sensitive techniques (1,2,16,17). If the association of one or more of these viruses with breast cancer can be established, there is a possibility of prevention by anti-viral treatments and vaccination strategies (11).…”

“…The review article by Hsu et al (1) reported that HPV, EBV, CMV, HSV-1, and HHV-8 may be contributing to breast cancer. The study by Lawson and colleagues (4) suggested the association between EBV and breast cancer.…”

“…Although breast cancers are thought to be highly related to viruses, different researchers have presented controversial results (1). Breast cancer is a multi-stage disease and infection with DNA viruses may be contributing for some stages (1,2).…”

“…Breast cancer is a multi-stage disease and infection with DNA viruses may be contributing for some stages (1,2). The DNA viruses may be oncogenic in many cancers such as Hepatitis B virus in hepatocellular carcinoma, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in lymphoma, nasopharyngeal cancer, and langerhans cell histiocytosis, as well as Human papilloma virus (HPV) in cervical cancer (1)(2)(3). Oncogenic viruses are contributing to 20% of human cancers.…”

Association of High Risk Human Papillomavirus and Breast cancer: A UK based Study

“…This has led to studies to identify new factors related to this neoplasia1456. Infectious agents have been implicated, as either direct carcinogens or promoters.…”