EBV-associated malignancies

EBV-associated malignancies

EBV-associated malignancies

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EBV Essentials - The Cancer-Causing Kiss

  • Epstein-Barr virus (HHV-4) primarily infects B-lymphocytes via the CD21 receptor, establishing a latent infection.
  • Viral proteins (e.g., LMP1, EBNA-2) promote cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis, contributing to oncogenesis.

⭐ Burkitt lymphoma is classically associated with a t(8;14) translocation, placing the c-myc oncogene under the control of the highly active immunoglobulin heavy chain enhancer.

Viral Oncogenesis - Hijacking Host Cells

  • Primary Targets: B-lymphocytes (via CD21 receptor) and nasopharyngeal epithelial cells.
  • Mechanism: EBV establishes latency, expressing oncoproteins that drive cell proliferation and survival.
  • Key Viral Oncoproteins:
    • LMP-1 (Latent Membrane Protein 1): Mimics a constitutively active CD40 receptor. It activates NF-κB and JAK/STAT pathways, upregulating survival proteins like BCL-2 and preventing apoptosis.
    • EBNA-2 (EBV Nuclear Antigen 2): A potent transactivator that turns on host genes, including Cyclin D and the MYC proto-oncogene, promoting cell cycle progression.

EBV Infection Cycle and Latency Programs

⭐ In Burkitt Lymphoma, a t(8;14) translocation places the MYC oncogene under the control of the highly active immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) promoter, leading to massive overexpression.

Malignancy Spectrum - The Usual Suspects

  • Burkitt Lymphoma

    • Caused by translocation of the c-myc gene, t(8;14).
    • Histology: Classic "starry sky" appearance from macrophages phagocytosing apoptotic tumor cells.
    • Forms: Endemic (African, jaw mass) vs. Sporadic (abdominal mass).
  • Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

    • Undifferentiated carcinoma with lymphoid stroma (lymphoepithelioma).
    • Presents with nasal obstruction, epistaxis, or metastatic neck mass.

    ⭐ Strongly associated with Southern Chinese ancestry.

  • Hodgkin Lymphoma

    • Most commonly the mixed cellularity subtype.
    • EBV is found in the diagnostic Reed-Sternberg cells in about 40-50% of cases.
  • Primary CNS Lymphoma

    • Occurs almost exclusively in severely immunocompromised patients (e.g., HIV/AIDS with CD4 < 50).
    • Presents as ring-enhancing lesions on brain MRI, often solitary.

Burkitt Lymphoma: Starry Sky Pattern

Clinical Toolkit - Diagnosis & Management

  • Diagnosis
    • Serology: Anti-VCA (IgM, IgG), anti-EBNA establishes exposure.
    • Histopathology (Biopsy): Definitive. Look for characteristic cells (e.g., Reed-Sternberg in Hodgkin).
    • Molecular: PCR for EBV DNA in plasma or tissue; FISH for translocations.
  • Management
    • Tailored to the specific cancer.
    • Chemotherapy: Standard for lymphomas (e.g., R-CHOP for Burkitt, ABVD for Hodgkin).
    • Radiation: Primary modality for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), often combined with chemotherapy.

⭐ Burkitt Lymphoma shows a classic t(8;14) translocation, overactivating the c-myc oncogene.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • EBV infects B-cells, where it establishes latency, driven by the oncogene LMP-1.
  • LMP-1 mimics a constitutively active CD40 receptor, promoting B-cell proliferation and upregulating BCL-2 to prevent apoptosis.
  • Strongly associated with endemic Burkitt lymphoma (t(8;14); c-myc), nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and mixed-cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • The cause of primary CNS lymphoma in immunocompromised patients, especially in the context of HIV/AIDS.
  • Diagnosis confirmed by detecting EBV DNA or EBNA-1 in tumor cells.

Practice Questions: EBV-associated malignancies

Test your understanding with these related questions

An 11-year-old boy who recently emigrated from Nigeria is brought to the physician for evaluation of jaw swelling. He has no history of serious illness and takes no medications. Examination shows a 5-cm solid mass located above the right mandible and significant cervical lymphadenopathy. A biopsy specimen of the mass shows sheets of lymphocytes with interspersed tingible body macrophages. Serology for Epstein-Barr virus is positive. Which of the following chromosomal translocations is most likely present in cells obtained from the tissue mass?

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Flashcards: EBV-associated malignancies

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What is the cancer risk associated with HPV31?_____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

What is the cancer risk associated with HPV31?_____

High

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