According to the World Health Organization, more than 15% of all cancers are caused by infectious agents – bacteria, viruses and parasites.
As part of a large-scale work, the specialists of the German Cancer Research Center analyzed the data of more than 1300 researchers. Scientists examined about 2,600 tumor genomes caused by 38 different types of cancer.
As a result, researchers found traces of 23 different types of pathogens in 356 cancer patients.
According to oncologist Mark Zapatka, we are talking about the discovery of a large number of Epstein-Barr viruses, which is associated with the development of stomach cancer, nasopharynx and lymphoma, hepatitis B viruses that provoke liver cancer, as well as papilloma viruses responsible for the formation of cervical cancer and malignant tumors of the throat.
Also, in rare cases, the genetic material of a retrovirus and cytomegalovirus was recognized in patients.
– The results are an important step in the fight against cancer. Now we can see more clearly how pathogens cause the growth of malignant cells. The question of which viruses are associated with cancer is very important, because, having information, we can really prevent the disease. If a cancer-causing virus is detected, further infections can be prevented by vaccination and, thus, be protected from oncology, the German Cancer Research Center explained.
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