Infectious Agents and Cancer最新文献

{"title":"Oral microbiome diversity, community- and taxon-level differences by oral human papillomavirus (HPV) and race/ethnicity.","authors":"Morgan C Byrd, Shelly Han, Oyomoare Osazuwa-Peters, Deesha Bhaumik, Darien Weatherspoon, Nicolas F Schlecht, Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters","doi":"10.1186/s13027-026-00757-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13027-026-00757-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>INTRODUCTION: Oral microbiome differences by race/ethnicity may contribute to differences in oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the precursor to HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer. Oral HPV is most prevalent among non-Hispanic Black individuals, yet HPV-attributable cancers are more common in non-Hispanic White individuals. METHODS: Using the 2009–2012 NHANES data (n = 5,534), our study examined oral microbiome diversity, community-, and taxon-level differences by any oral HPV type and race/ethnicity using oral rinse samples. RESULTS: Significantly greater alpha diversity was seen among HPV-positive Non-Hispanic Black individuals [Shannon/Inverse Simpson’s Indices (p < 0.001)]. Beta diversity also varied significantly by race/ethnicity and oral HPV status (PERMANOVA, p < 0.001). Microbiome topic modeling identified two microbial communities (topics 13 and 36) depleted in HPV-positive individuals, characterized by reduced Streptococcus, Actinobacillus, and Neisseria (Beta > 0.4), but this pattern was seen only among Non-Hispanic Black individuals. Taxon-level differential abundance analysis identified Sneathia and Odoribacter as enriched in HPV-positive participants (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a race/ethnicity-linked interplay between oral rinse microbiome samples and oral HPV. Microbial differences by race/ethnicity and oral HPV status may reflect underlying social, environmental, or behavioral factors and highlight the need for longitudinal studies to clarify causal pathways and inform future targeted interventions. </p>","PeriodicalId":13568,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Agents and Cancer","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13188267/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus genotypes and associated HIV co-infection in Cameroon: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Fabrice Zobel Lekeumo Cheuyem, Chabeja Achangwa, Lionel Berthold Keubou Boukeng, Rick Tchamani, Alapa Junior Nkwate Chefor, Jessy Goupeyou-Youmsi, Edmond Martial Lemaire Bodo","doi":"10.1186/s13027-026-00756-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13027-026-00756-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: High-risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer mortality among women in sub-Saharan Africa. In Cameroon, there is a gap in synthetized evidence on HR HPV epidemiology, limiting data-driven prevention strategies. This study provides the first comprehensive national synthesis of HR HPV prevalence, genotype distribution, and HIV co-infection among HPV-positive individuals. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261282094). We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, AJOL and local online publishers. Studies reporting the prevalence of HR HPV among sexually active individuals were included. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics and explored through subgroup analyses. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. RESULTS: A total of 33 studies including 18,798 participants were included in this analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of HR HPV was 28.95% (95% CI: 19.74–40.30; 33 studies; n = 18,798; I2 = 98.7%), with a notable decline from 53.34% before 2014 to 21.43% in 2021–2023. Prevalence varied substantially across populations, being highest among women with precancerous or cancerous lesions (90.69%; 95% CI: 78.48–96.30) and female sex workers (62.10%; 95% CI: 58.08–66.00) compared to women from the general population (21.09%; 95% CI: 15.16–28.55). Among HPV-positive women, HIV co-infection prevalence was 26.17% (95% CI: 13.48–44.65, 19 studies; n = 3,589; I2 = 97.9%), with higher rates in hospital-based studies (34.57%) compared to community-based studies (9.18%). Predominant HR HPV genotypes included HPV16 (28.7%), HPV52 (23.6%), HPV66 (22.9%), HPV33 (22.8%), and HPV18 (20.2%). The pooled prevalence of abnormal cervical lesions among HPV-positive women was 35.15% (95% CI: 20.21–53.70; 12 studies; n = 2,186; I2 = 95.2%), including low-grade lesions (34.4%) and high-grade lesions (19.1%). CONCLUSIONS: HR HPV infection remains highly prevalent in Cameroon despite encouraging temporal declines. The substantial burden of HIV co-infection and circulation of multiple oncogenic genotypes underscore the need for integrated HPV–HIV prevention strategies, expanded screening, and consideration of broader-coverage vaccines to accelerate progress toward cervical cancer elimination targets. </p>","PeriodicalId":13568,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Agents and Cancer","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13188314/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689894","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Concurrent sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma presenting with cutaneous adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma: a rare case report.","authors":"Amirhosein Maharati, Alireza Zangooie, Maryam Sardarkhani Eydgahi, Hoda Haghshenas, Zahra Eghbali, Naser Tayyebi Meibodi, Zahra Salehi, Abolghasem Allahyari","doi":"10.1186/s13027-026-00755-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13027-026-00755-6","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;BACKGROUND: Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a rare peripheral T-cell malignancy induced by Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection, commonly affecting individuals in their 50s to 60s. The disease manifests through various clinical forms, with skin involvement being a frequent presentation. While HTLV-1 has been linked to several cancers, including non-ATLL lymphomas and liver cancer. This case report discusses the rare coexistence of sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma and cutaneous ATLL in a 75-year-old woman. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 75-year-old woman presenting with abdominal pain, vomiting, distention, and constipation underwent clinical evaluation including physical examination, laboratory tests, abdominal imaging, and contrast-enhanced CT. Due to large-bowel obstruction, she received emergency surgical management consisting of left hemicolectomy, splenic flexure mobilization, regional lymphadenectomy, and Hartmann colostomy. Tissue from the resected colon and later cutaneous lesions was submitted for histopathological examination and immunophenotypic profiling with an extended T-cell marker panel. Serologic testing for HTLV-1 was also performed. Additionally, a systematic literature review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Comprehensive searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from database inception to November 3, 2025, used controlled vocabulary and free-text terms related to HTLV-1/ATLL and gastrointestinal malignancies. Case reports and case series involving human subjects were independently screened in two phases. RESULTS: The patient was diagnosed with sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma requiring emergency surgery and later developed cutaneous lesions, which were confirmed as smoldering ATLL through histopathology, immunophenotyping (mature CD4+/CD25+ T-cell phenotype with CD7 loss), and positive HTLV-1 serology. She is receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer while undergoing surveillance for ATLL. The systematic search identified 365 records; after removal of duplicates and screening, four eligible publications were included. Of these four studies, three were case reports, all describing patients with HTLV-1 infection and gastric adenocarcinoma. The fourth publication was a case series including three patients; two of them ATLL and gastric adenocarcinoma, consistent with the findings of our study, while the third patient had ATLL and colorectal adenocarcinoma. Overall, the reported clinical outcomes varied, underscoring the rarity of this coexistence and the lack of standardized management approaches. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the rare occurrence of sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma and cutaneous ATLL in an HTLV-1-positive patient, emphasizing the potential for HTLV-1 to contribute to multiple malignancies. Our findings underscore the need for further research to explore the link between HTLV1 and gastrointestinal cancers, as well as its broader oncogenic potential in other m","PeriodicalId":13568,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Agents and Cancer","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13185279/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147662578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reprogramming the gut-liver immune axis: probiotic-derived extracellular vesicles as precision nanotherapeutics in hepatocellular carcinoma.","authors":"Moslem Javidan, Shahdokht Abbasiniya, Hadi Esmaeili GouvarchinghalehGhaleh, Ruhollah Dorostkar, Reza Golmohammadi, Majid MirzaeiNodooshan","doi":"10.1186/s13027-026-00748-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13027-026-00748-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and exhibits limited responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), largely due to profound tumor-associated immunosuppression and the complexity of gut–liver immune crosstalk. Probiotic-derived extracellular vesicles (PEVs) have recently emerged as biologically active mediators capable of delivering immunomodulatory cargos and influencing host immune pathways. This mini-narrative review critically evaluates the evolving role of PEVs in liver disease and their emerging relevance to HCC. OBJECTIVE: This review examines the molecular composition, immunomodulatory mechanisms, and translational potential of PEVs in the context of HCC, with an emphasis on delineating direct evidence from pre-malignant and supportive disease models. METHODS: We synthesized evidence from recent preclinical and translational studies (2020–2026) addressing PEV biogenesis, cargo–target interactions, immune modulation within hepatic microenvironments, and emerging delivery and manufacturing strategies. RESULTS: Accumulating preclinical evidence demonstrates that PEVs can modulate innate and adaptive immune pathways most robustly in inflammatory and pre-malignant liver disease models by promoting dendritic cell maturation, enhancing cytotoxic T-cell responses, and attenuating immunosuppressive myeloid and regulatory T-cell programs. Advances in vesicle purification, nanoformulation, and targeting strategies have improved PEV stability and biodistribution, supporting their evaluation as complementary modalities alongside existing therapies. However, direct validation of these effects in established HCC models remains limited, warranting cautious interpretation. CONCLUSION: PEVs represent a versatile and biocompatible platform with emerging relevance to immune modulation in liver disease and HCC. While current evidence supports their immunoregulatory potential primarily in pre-malignant settings, successful clinical translation will require rigorous liver-relevant validation, standardized manufacturing and dosing frameworks, and carefully designed early-phase clinical studies. FUTURE PERSPECTIVES: Key priorities include elucidating in vivo biodistribution, refining cargo–target specificity, establishing potency assays, and integrating PEV-based strategies into rational combination regimens to define their therapeutic boundaries in HCC. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable. </p>","PeriodicalId":13568,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Agents and Cancer","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13188681/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147654023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Plasma EBV DNA dynamics during chemotherapy as a prognostic biomarker in AIDS-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma.","authors":"Zhenyan Wang, Li Liu, Jun Chen, Tangkai Qi, Wei Song, Jianjun Sun, Yang Tang, Shuibao Xu, Junyang Yang, Yinzhong Shen, Renfang Zhang","doi":"10.1186/s13027-026-00758-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13027-026-00758-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the associations of plasma EBV-DNA and tumor EBV status with clinical outcomes in patients with AIDS-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma (ARL).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively analyzed ARL patients diagnosed at Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center between 2013 and 2021. Tumor EBV status was determined by EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) in situ hybridization, and plasma EBV-DNA was quantified using real-time PCR. Survival outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression. Longitudinal EBV-DNA patterns during chemotherapy were classified into four groups: persistently negative, persistently positive, clearance, and conversion.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 183 ARL patients, 99 underwent tumor EBER testing with 45.5% (45/99) positivity. Survival analysis was performed in 85 ARL patients who received treatment. The 2-year overall survival (OS) did not differ by EBER status (positive: 63.2% vs. negative: 52.5%; HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.41-1.80; p = 0.695). Baseline plasma EBV-DNA was quantified in 52 patients, with 47 (90.4%) undergoing ≥ 4 tests during chemotherapy cycles. Baseline plasma EBV-DNA levels were not predictive of prognosis. However, detectable EBV-DNA during chemotherapy was associated with significantly inferior OS (p = 0.048) and remained an independent prognostic factor after adjustment. Longitudinal analysis showed no statistically significant survival differences among four EBV-DNA patterns (p = 0.074), but patients with persistently positive or conversion patterns exhibited poorer outcomes, while persistently negative or clearance patterns were associated with more favorable prognosis. Pairwise analysis confirmed significantly better survival in persistently negative compared with persistently positive patients (p = 0.016).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Dynamic monitoring of plasma EBV-DNA during chemotherapy provides important prognostic information in ARL. Persistent or newly detectable EBV-DNA identifies patients at higher risk of poor outcomes, supporting the clinical utility of longitudinal EBV-DNA assessment for risk stratification and treatment guidance.</p>","PeriodicalId":13568,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Agents and Cancer","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13173843/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147616070","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anti-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies in EBV-associated gastric carcinoma.","authors":"Chihaya Koriyama, Lusheng Song, Ji Qiu, Joshua LaBaer, Athira Nandakumar, Suminori Akiba, Charles S Rabkin","doi":"10.1186/s13027-026-00753-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13027-026-00753-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: About 10% of gastric carcinomas (GC) harbor monoclonal Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Anti-EBV antibody profiles distinguished patients with EBV-associated GC (EBVaGC) from those with EBV-negative GC (EBVnGC) in a previous study. Therefore, we examined these markers in a larger cohort with patient samples from Japan, a high gastric cancer-risk population. METHODS: Multi-microbial Nucleic Acid Programmable Protein Array was used to test stored sera from 102 EBVaGC and 131 EBVnGC patients. RESULTS: Among 89 IgG antibodies against EBV-specific antigens, 32 (36%) showed at least 10% seroprevalence in either EBVaGC or EBVnGC patients. Seropositivity of ten anti-EBV antibodies (LF2, BDLF2, BXLF1, BRLF1, BKRF3, BHRF1, BORF2, BZLF1, BNRF1, and BALF2) were significantly higher in EBVaGC patients than those with EBVnGC, with a maximal odds ratio of 22 (95% confidence interval: 5.2, 195) for anti-LF2. The ten antibodies collectively had an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.747 (95% CI: 0.683, 0.811). Five of these markers (LF2, BRLF1, BXLF1, BORF2, and BALF2) were among the seven discriminatory antibodies identified in the previous study. These differences in serological reactions were seen for proteins in the lytic infection phase, but not for those in the latent infection phase, consistent with the previous results. CONCLUSION: The present study confirms the utility of anti-EBV serology for non-invasive detection of EBVaGC. </p>","PeriodicalId":13568,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Agents and Cancer","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13169880/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147608687","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prognostic significance of quantitative EBV biomarkers in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma: a meta-analysis of EBV DNA load and EBER-positive cell proportion.","authors":"Xue Song Wang, Di Liu, Xia Zhu, Nan Shi, Wei Xia, Anzhou Tang","doi":"10.1186/s13027-026-00752-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13027-026-00752-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>OBJECTIVES: Pre-treatment peripheral blood EBV DNA and tumor EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) are recognized prognostic factors in Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma (ENKTL). However, their quantitative values and optimal positive thresholds remain inconsistent, hindering clinical application. This meta-analysis systematically assesses their prognostic value in ENKTL. METHODS: Relevant studies from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched until 24 December, 2025. Eligible studies reported hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) based on Pre-treatment EBV DNA levels or tumor EBER positivity. Subsequently, Pooled HRs with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated via random-effects models. Next, Subgroup analyses examined different blood compartments, EBV DNA cut-offs, and study design. Additionally, Heterogeneity (I²) and publication bias (Egger’s test) were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 17 studies from 15 articles were enrolled in this meta-analysis, including 15 on EBV DNA and 2 on EBER. These studies demonstrated that elevated pre-treatment EBV DNA level (HR = 3.04, 95% CI 1.97–4.69; P < 0.001, I2 = 38%) and high tumor EBER positivity thresholds of ≥ 75% (HR = 5.53, 95%CI2.21-14.38; P < 0.001, I2 = 0%) independently predicted reduced survival. Moreover, Stratification by EBV DNA cut-off (500 copies/ML) showed significantly higher mortality risk in the ≥ 500 group (HR = 2.82, 95% CI 1.84–4.31; P < 0.001) compared to the < 500 group (HR = 2.66, 95% CI 0.56–12.72; P = 0.22). Furthermore, Egger’s test suggested no publication bias(P = 0.111). Finally, Sensitivity analyses suggested the robustness and credibility of our results. CONCLUSIONS: High pre-treatment EBV DNA load (cut-off of ≥ 500 copies/mL) and high EBER-Positive Cell Proportion (≥ 75%) predict poor survival in ENKTL. Those quantitative EBV Biomarkers may serve as practical biomarkers for risk stratification and guiding therapeutic decisions in this patient population. </p>","PeriodicalId":13568,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Agents and Cancer","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13169609/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147592063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genotypes of human papillomavirus and clinical pathological features among patients with anal carcinoma in North-western Tanzania.","authors":"Oscar Ottoman, Fidelis David, Johnson Nyansuku, Michael James, Caroline Arnold Minja, Crispin Mukerebe, Titus Leeyio, Benson R Kidenya, Peter F Rambau","doi":"10.1186/s13027-026-00754-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13027-026-00754-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Anal carcinoma is an increasingly significant public health issue, mainly caused by infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Despite this, there is limited data on the distribution of HPV genotypes and their associated clinicopathological characteristics among patients in Tanzania. This study aimed to describe the range of HPV genotypes and to explore their relationship with clinical and pathological features in patients diagnosed with anal carcinoma in Northwestern Tanzania. METHODS: This longitudinal, analytical, laboratory-based study was conducted at Bugando Medical Centre between 30th April 2023 and 02nd January 2025. A total of 60 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks from histologically confirmed cases of anal carcinoma were included. DNA was extracted, and high-risk HPV genotyping was performed using the Anyplex™ II HPV28 PCR assay. Data were analysed using Stata version 15, and statistical significance was defined as a p-value < 0.05. RESULTS: High-risk HPV DNA was detected in 35 of the 60 cases (58.3%). Among HPV-positive patients, 26 (74.3%) were female, and 09 (25.7%) were male. HPV16 was the most frequently identified genotype (50.0%), followed by HPV18 (19.6%) and HPV33 (8.7%). Multiple HPV genotypes were detected in 31.4% of positive samples. HPV-negative anal carcinoma was significantly associated with tumour involvement of both the anal canal and surgical margins, advanced T stages (stages III and IV), lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, and tumour size greater than 2 cm (all p < 0.001). Keratinising squamous cell carcinoma was the predominant histological subtype (51.7%), and half of the study participants (50.0%) were HIV-positive. CONCLUSION: High-risk HPV infection, particularly with HPV16 and HPV18, is common among patients with anal carcinoma in Northwestern Tanzania and anal carcinoma with HPV negative status is associated with critical clinicopathological characteristics. Strengthening HPV vaccination, screening, and awareness initiatives could substantially reduce the burden of anal carcinoma in Tanzania. </p>","PeriodicalId":13568,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Agents and Cancer","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13169984/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147592047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Burden and predictors of cervical cancer mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Tadele Emagneneh, Chalie Mulugeta, Betelhem Ejigu, Abebaw Alamrew, Belay Susu, Nigusie Abebaw, Aynalem Yetwale Hiwot, Habtam Desse Alemayehu, Sefineh Fenta Feleke","doi":"10.1186/s13027-026-00749-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13027-026-00749-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer remains a major public health concern, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where limited access to vaccination, screening, and treatment contributes to high mortality. Identifying mortality patterns and key risk factors is essential for designing effective interventions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate cervical cancer-related mortality and identify its common predictors among women in the region. METHODS: The study followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025639606). A systematic search of Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, HINARI, and Google Scholar identified observational studies published up to 15 August 2024 reporting cervical cancer-related mortality and predictors in Sub-Saharan Africa. Six authors independently screened titles and abstracts, while all eight reviewed full texts for eligibility; discrepancies were resolved through discussion. Study quality was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Heterogeneity was evaluated with I² and Cochran’s Q test, and random-effects models were applied when substantial heterogeneity existed. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression explored potential sources of variability. RESULTS: From 1760, articles, 23 studies including 10,040 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of cervical cancer-related mortality was 56% (95% CI: 0.48–0.64). Significant predictors included advanced age (> 60 years; OR = 1.12), rural residence (OR = 1.38), hormonal contraceptive use (OR = 1.23), history of abortion (OR = 1.33), substance use (OR = 1.21), comorbidities (OR = 1.20), anemia (OR = 1.47), HIV infection (OR = 1.17), advanced disease stage (OR = 1.76), adenocarcinoma histology (OR = 1.30), single treatment modality (OR = 1.44), and single chemotherapy cycle (OR = 1.28). CONCLUSIONS: The burden of cervical cancer mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa remains high, affecting over half of women with the disease, particularly those with advanced age, rural residence, comorbidities, and advanced disease stage. Targeted interventions for these high-risk groups and comprehensive treatment strategies are essential to reduce mortality and improve survival. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable. </p>","PeriodicalId":13568,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Agents and Cancer","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13162366/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147591983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Primary hepatic Epstein-Barr virus-positive inflammatory follicular dendritic cell sarcoma: a rare case with genomic profiling and therapeutic implications.","authors":"Jun Lu, Jinhui Zhu","doi":"10.1186/s13027-026-00751-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13027-026-00751-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hepatic Epstein-Barr virus-positive inflammatory follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (EBV+IFDCS) is an extremely rare low-grade malignant tumor. Due to its rarity and lack of specific symptoms, laboratory markers, or characteristic imaging features, this disease is frequently misdiagnosed. A 50-year-old woman was diagnosed with left hepatic mass and underwent laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy. The postoperative histopathology confirmed EBV+IFDCS. To our knowledge, we conducted the first-ever genetic testing for hepatic EBV+IFDCS. The analysis indicates that the patient has a low tumor mutational burden and low microsatellite instability, with no identifiable targetable gene mutations, but may have potential sensitivity to certain chemotherapy agents. Postoperatively, the patient was empirically treated with six cycles of S-1 chemotherapy (60 mg twice daily, 2 weeks on/1 week off), and the recovery process was uneventful. We hope that our findings may contribute to the understanding and clinical management of this disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":13568,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Agents and Cancer","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13112742/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147573872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}