Virally Induced Cancer: Insights into Tumor-Associated Viruses and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies
Keywords:
Cancer, Virus, Disease, tumor virusesAbstract
Cancer remains a major global health challenge, with several human viruses playing a critical role in its development. These "tumor viruses" can integrate into the host genome, disrupting genetic integrity, inhibiting cell death, and promoting uncontrolled cell growth. This report investigates eight key viruses associated with human cancers: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Human papillomavirus (HPV), Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1), Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV), and Human Immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1). Understanding how these viruses contribute to cancer can enhance cancer management strategies. Recent advancements, such as preventive vaccines, oncolytic viruses, and gene therapy, offer promising avenues for reducing cancer risk and improving patient outcomes.
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