Interaction Between Epstein-Barr Virus and Human Papilloma Virus in Cervical Cancer. Possible Prevention

Abstract

Objective of the Review: To comprehensively analyse the potential role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in development of cervical cancer. Key Points. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a key causative factor of cervical cancer. However, there are a lot of data collected over the last two decades demonstrating that EBV has a role to play in this process; still, its contribution to development of cervical cancer has been studied poorly. This review describes the real-time published data on EBV and HPV co-infection in the genesis of cervical cancer, and the potential role of EBV in gynaecological cancer progression. Conclusion. EBV has an important role in the genesis and progression of some human malignancies including lymphoid tumours (both В- and Т-cell cancer) and carcinoma (nasopharyngeal and gastric cancer). The available data are indicative of potential cause-effect relations between EBV and cervical cancer pathogenesis. A frequent EBV and HPV co-infection in cervical cancer witnesses possible cancer-causing interaction between the two viruses. Thus, more in-depth studies are needed to find out the mechanisms underlying the EBV and HPV synergism and its clinical effects. Taking into account successful cervical cancer prevention with HPV vaccine and possible future EBV vaccination, the carcinogenesis mechanisms should be studied more thoroughly in order to improve the prevention of oncological diseases. Keywords: oncology, Epstein-Barr virus, human papilloma virus, co-infection, cervical cancer.