Oncogenic Viruses and Cancer: A Review of Literature on Their Global Burden

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Department, AlSalam University, Tanta, Egypt

Abstract

Oncogenic viruses represent a subset of viral pathogens capable of inducing cellular transformation and malignancy, significantly contribute to the global burden of human cancer. These viruses promote carcinogenesis through various mechanisms, including integration of viral DNA into the host genome, disruption of cellular signaling pathways, and evasion of immune surveillance, leading to uncontrolled cellular proliferation. Notable oncogenic viruses include Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Prevention strategies primarily revolve around vaccination, with HPV and HBV vaccines demonstrating significant efficacy in reducing the incidence of cervical and liver cancers, respectively. In addition to prevention, effective treatment strategies for virus-associated cancers are essential. Therapeutic approaches include antiviral agents, immunomodulatory drugs, and targeted therapies that disrupt viral replication and control tumor growth. This review provides an overview of the role of oncogenic viruses in cancer development and discusses current prevention and treatment strategies.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics