Prostate Cancer Linked To Virus: Update

Recent studies have revealed that prostrate cancer may be linked to a virus. It has been suspected that the virus, known as xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) was associated with prostrate cancer, but recent studies seem to go further to confirm that suspicion.

In studies conducted two years ago, XMRV was discovered in cells around tumors. The recent study analyzed findings of 300 prostrate cancer specimens and found more than 27 percent carried the virus. Tumors that were more aggressive had a higher percentage of the virus.

At this time, it is believed that a test for XMRV could provide some solution in determining those life-threatening cancers from those that are more benign.

Even though researchers have found the new study to be exciting, they are reluctant yet to state with certainty that XMRV is the leading cause of aggressive prostrate cancers. They do agree that even if causation cannot be proven, discovery of XMRV can be used as a marker for determining aggressive tumors.

The new study nullifies previous reports of association between XMRV infection and a genetic variation which was found in a small number of men. The new research serves to increase the number of men at risk for prostrate cancer, finding it inconsequential whether they carry the XMRV variant.

Research on XMRV will be expanded to determine if women also carry the virus. Cervical cells from Pap smears will be examined for conclusion. As a way to detect infection, antibodies to XMRV in serum will be studied.

The discovery of XMRV association in prostrate cancer is considered a breakthrough and a step toward effective diagnosis, treatment, and perhaps, prevention. This is good news in the health community and for the nearly 200,000 men who are diagnosed and treated each year.