Epstein-Barr Virus and Cancer Risks

Prospective Cohort Study on Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody and Cancer Risks

The goal of this prospective cohort study is to investigate the associations between Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) antibody levels and the risk of overall and site-specific cancer types in Southern China. The main questions it aims to answer are:

Question 1: In addition to the established EBV-associated cancer types, such as lymphomas, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and stomach cancer, whether EBV is associated with other cancer types? Question 2: What's the cancer burden attributed to EBV in Southern China?

Growing molecular evidence suggests the involvement of EBV in various cancers, however, comprehensive epidemiological evidence is still lacking. In this study, researchers conducted a population-based prospective cohort study to investigate the associations between EBV antibodies and the risk of overall and site-specific cancer types in Southern China. All the participants underwent EBV antibody tests at enrollment and were subsequently followed up annually for cancer incidence, vital status, and immigration status. The primary objective of this study was to provide prospective evidence for the role of EBV in multiple cancers, shedding light on the etiology of a broad range of common EBV-associated cancers.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subject residents in Zhongshan or Wuzhou City;
• Subject has no medical record of prevalent cancer;
• Subject has psychical condition and well consciousness, and willingness to accept and cooperate with the study's follow-up procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subject has heavy cardiovascular, liver, or kidney disease;
• Subject has prevalent cancer.