| Sub-title | |
| Authors | D Grima J S Degaetano |
| Abstract | Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy of the head and neck region, which typically has marked geographic, and population differences in incidence. Both genetic and environmental co-factors are implicated in the development of NPC. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human herpes virus, strongly associated with the undifferentiated type of NPC, which in some regions is by far the commonest type of the three WHO categories. This fact has triggered the discussion as to whether EBV should be targeted as a potential cure for this type of malignancy. In this study archival paraffin embedded tissue from 81 NPC cases diagnosed from 1990 to 2001 were analysed. Details such as sex, age and locality of residence of the selected cases were recorded to study demographic data. Freshly stained Haematoxylin and Eosin slides from these NPC cases were reassessed and graded according to the WHO classification, with the majority (84%) classified as WHO type III. The investigation of a link between EBV and NPC in Maltese patients was performed by immunohistochemical staining with three different antibodies against EBV namely EBNA2, BZLF1 and LMP CS1-4. 90% and 54% of cases showed positive staining for LMP1 and BZLF1 proteins respectively. No staining for EBNA2 antigen was observed. Maltese NPC has shown similar trends of gender and age occurrence as classically described. EBV association has been confirmed and LMP1 immunostaining can therefore be considered as a good option for the detection of the virus in NPC. This may be of future benefit to patients in view of new therapeutic modalities being studied. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | Volume 15 (suppl) |
| Pages | - |
| Date | |
| Link to journal | |
| Key words | prevalence, Epstein-Barr virus antigens, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, immunohistochemistry |