Alibek K, Mussabekova A, Kakpenova A, Duisembekova A, Baiken Y, Aituov B, Karatayeva N, Zhussupbekova S. Childhood cancers: what is a possible role of infectious agents?
Infect Agent Cancer 2013;
8:48. [PMID:
24321500 PMCID:
PMC4029297 DOI:
10.1186/1750-9378-8-48]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of childhood cancers has been studied for more than 40 years. However, most if not all cancers occurring in children are attributed to unknown causes. This review is focused on the role of infections in cancer development and progression in children. The main infectious agents include human herpesviruses, polyoma viruses, and human papilloma viruses. It is known that infections can lead to carcinogenesis through various mechanisms, and most likely act in addition to genetic and environmental factors. Given the importance of the infectious etiology of childhood cancers, clinical implications and possible prevention strategies are discussed.
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