Epstein-Barr Virus, Human Papillomavirus, and Flow Cytometric Cell
Cycle Kinetics in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and Inverted Papilloma among
Egyptian Patients
Affiliations: Oncology Diagnostic Unit (ODU), Department of
Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt | Otolaryngology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain
Shams University, Cairo, Egypt | Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams
University, Cairo, Egypt
Note: [] Correspondence: Samar K. Kassim, M.D., Ph.D., Oncology
Diagnostic Unit, Biochemistry Department, Ain Shams Faculty of Medicine,
Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt, Tel.: +202 2858940, Fax: +202 2859928 - +202
2855441
Abstract: It is widely accepted that the Epstein-Barr virus is etiologically
associated with the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The human
papillomavirus is also associated with inverted papilloma. We used the
polymerase chain reaction technique to detect both viruses in both types of
tumors. Flow cytometry was also used to study the DNA pattern and proliferative
behavior of the tumors in relation to the viruses. EBV was detected in 13/20
(65%) of NPC specimens, and in none of IP (n = 10) or control
specimens (n = 10). This indicates the contribution of EBV as an
etiologic factor in NPC. Five cases of NPC (25%) were positive for HPV 16, two
of them were EBV positive. Four HPV 16 positive cases were found among cases
with inverted papilloma, but none among the control cases. Flow cytometry
revealed that all NPC, IP, and control samples were diploid except one
aneuploid NPC sample. Proliferative capacity (PC) of primary tumors was
predictive of tumor recurrence in NPC. Using 13.6% as a cut-off point for PC,
we were able to discriminate between high risk and low risk groups with 100%
sensitivity and 86% specificity. PC can be used as a baseline prognostic
parameter in NPC, making it possible to modify courses of treatment in an
attempt to inhibit tumor recurrence.
