The Expression of Epstein-Barr virus in Breast cancer in relation to age

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common
malignancy affecting females worldwide. The association
of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with this cancer is a longstanding
interest to this field.
Aim: to investigate the presence of EBV in breast tumor
tissue in relation to age.
Patients and Methods: Paraffin-embedded tissue blocks
from 45 female patients with breast tumors (ranged in age
from 28 to 85 years) were retrieved. The cases were
grouped into two categories: group (A): included 30 cases
with breast carcinoma and group (B): included 15 cases
with benign breast diseases as a control group .The
expression of EBV protein was examined
immunohistochemically.
Results: Twelve (40%) of the 30 breast cancer cases
(group A) were reported as positive for EBV expression
and significantly higher in patients less than 40 years age
(P= 0.026).
Conclusion: the results of the current study might refer to
the significance of EBV expression in breast tissue of
young patients with breast cancer.