Role of Viral Infection in the Aetiology-Pathogenesis of Bladder Tumor: A Reality or Chimera?

Abstract

The possible role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the aetiology of papillary tumor of the bladder has been evaluated and a review of the literature concerning this issue was made. A group of 17 patients affected by bladder papillary tumor was analysed. Surgical specimens were collected for virological and histological analysis. The DNA of the following viruses was searched by polymerase chain reaction (PCR): Adenovirus, Herpes simplex virus type 1(HSV ·1), Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV.2), Human Papillomaviruses (HPV), Polyomaviruses (BKV and JCV). The results showed that 15/17 (88 %) patients with papillary bladder tumor were found negative for each viral-searched DNA; only one sample was positive for HPV (6 % ) genotype 6, which is considered to convey a low risk for cancer development and only one was positive for BKV (6%). From the results obtained there seems to be no relationship between viral infection and the presence of bladder papillary tumor. Moreover, in the examined population the association bladder carcinoma-HPV, found by others, has not been confirmed. The homogeneity of the specimens studied was such that it would not be affected by the temporal factor, as were cases of more or less advanced cancers. Nonetheless specimens from patients with advanced cancers (G III) were negative to HPV infection. The data do not appear indicative for a correlation between viral DNA presence and histological parameters. Thus, in the light of the data emerging from this investigation, no causal relationship can be established between HPV infection and papillary bladder tumors.Urothelial cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is the most common form of bladder cancer. Approximately 80% of these bladder tumors are superficial papillary lesions, confined to the mucosa or invading the lamina propria. (1). Most malignant bladder lesions are transitional cell carcinomas, whereas the remaining neoplasms are squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. Approximately 30% of bladder carcinomas appear as multiple lesions at the time of initial diagnosis.Tumors are graded according to the degree of cellular abnormality, with the most atypical cells designated as high-grade tumors, while staging is based on the depth of invasion into the bladder muscle and surround structures. The stage refers to how far a cancer has progressed anatomically, while the grade refers to cell appearance (differentiation) and DNA make up. The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) to define bladder cancer has designated staging by TNM classification. The stage is determined by the depth in which the tumor has penetrated the bladder wall (T), by the assessment of invasion of lymph nodes (N) and other surrounding organs and tissues (M).

BK polyomavirus association with colorectal cancer development

“…BKV DNA and proteins have been found in renal, bladder, prostate, pancreatic, adrenal, and brain cancer tissues (Corallini et al, 1987;Flaegstad et al, 1999;Fioriti et al, 2005;Barzon et al, 2008;Taghavi et al, 2015;Yin et al, 2015). On the other hand, several reports have failed to detect BKV in similar tumors (Arthur et al, 1994;Weggen et al, 2000;Knöll et al, 2003;Fischetti et al, 2004). The present study represents the first attempt to assess the presence of BKV DNA and proteins in colorectal cancer patients in the Western Province of Saudi Arabia.…”

The human polyomavirus BK: Potential role in cancer

“…BKV DNA sequences have been reported in a range of human tumors, many of which do not fit the normal spectrum of anatomical sites thought to be infected by the virus, including rhabdomyosarcoma, lung, Kaposi's sarcoma, pancreas, liver, brain, and various urinary tract neoplasms (Fiori and Di Mayorca, 1976; Pater et al, 1980; Caputo et al, 1983; Barbanti‐Brodano et al, 1987; Corallini et al, 1987; Dorries et al, 1987; Negrini et al, 1990; De Mattei et al, 1995; Monini et al, 1995a,b; Flaegstad et al, 1999; Imperiale, 2000, 2001; Fioriti et al, 2003). Interestingly, other reports found no evidence for BKV in brain tumors, urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, and of the renal pelvis, medulloblastomas, meningiomas, and ependymomas (Arthur et al, 1994; Weggen et al, 2000; Knoll et al, 2003; Fischetti et al, 2004).…”

Chemoprevention in Chronic Prostatitis in BPH and in Low Grade Carcinoma

“…In these populations the incidence of prostate cancer has increased, becoming similar to the autochthonous population in just a few generations. In patients with BPH and chronic prostatitis there is a greater risk of cancer (35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(41)(42). In these patients and in the initial forms of cancer, adding antioxidants and modulators of growth factors to the diet is the choice nearest to the tradi tional therapy.…”