Prospective study of Epstein Barr virus antibody titres and survival in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract

Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma have high antibody titres to Epstein-Barr virus (E.B.V.) related antigens, and some of these antibodies correlate with disease stage. In a study of newly diagnosed nasopharyngeal carcinoma the authors measured antibodies to E.B.V.-related antigens (Ea), virus capsid antigen (V.C.A.), and nuclear antigen (E.B.N.A.) in 119 patients at the time of diagnosis and before any therapy. All patients were treated with radiotherapy. They have followed up these patients for over two years. The results indicate that E.B.V.-related antibodies are of prognostic value and that they may be useful as guides in the management of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.